News

Northcote Hall Renewal Project

Restoring our hall for generations to come

Sunday School children outside the hall in 1939.

Since 1907, St John the Baptist Church Hall has been a place where our community comes together. From playgroups and dance classes to support groups, celebrations and community gatherings, the hall has welcomed people of all ages and walks of life. It is much more than a building. It is a place of connection, friendship, belonging and community life.

Now, after many years of faithful service, our much-loved hall needs some care and attention.

Our Vision

Current state of the hall, 2026.

Our vision is to restore and renew the hall so that it remains a warm, welcoming, accessible and affordable space for our community for generations to come.

The Northcote Hall Renewal Project will address essential maintenance while making improvements that will help the building better serve the many people and groups who use it.

The planned work includes:

• Restoring and repainting the hall’s exterior, including repairs to timberwork and windows.
• Refurbishing the interior, including restoring the timber floor and replacing worn flooring in other areas.
• Installing heat pumps to provide year-round comfort.
• Improving acoustics and installing an audio-visual system.
• Refreshing the interior to create a more comfortable, practical and welcoming environment.

Throughout the project, we are committed to respecting the heritage and character of this special building while ensuring it continues to meet the needs of our changing community.

A Community Project

Our hall has always been a place for the wider community, not just our church congregation. Every week, it provides a home for community organisations, children’s activities, support groups, recreation and social connection. We want to ensure that these opportunities remain accessible and affordable.

The renewal project is a significant undertaking, with an estimated cost of around $200,000.

We are actively seeking funding through community grants, fundraising events and donations. Our parish community has already contributed generously, but we still have a considerable amount to raise.

How You Can Help

We would love your support! Whether you have used the hall for years, attended a special celebration here, or simply value having a thriving community space in Northcote, you can be part of its future. Every donation, large or small, will help us restore this wonderful building and ensure it continues to serve our community.

To make a donation:

‘St John the Baptist Church Northcote’

Bank account: 12-3053-0402664-00

Reference: HALL

Thank you for helping us care for a building that has given so much to our community.