Kaniva Shire Hall restoration works to start

Published on 26 August 2025

West Wimmera Shire Council will begin restoration works on the heritage-listed Kaniva Shire Hall to address maintenance issues and preserve its historic character.

Council received $50,000 from round two of the State Government’s Tiny Towns Fund for this project.

The restoration program will include external patching and painting of all surfaces in the current heritage colour scheme, along with internal patching and repainting in selected areas.

Repairs will be made to plaster corners in the main hall, and both the supper room doors and the old shire office glass doors on Baker Street will be replaced.

The project will also deliver repairs to eaves and windowsills, repainting of foyer areas and timber mouldings, and repairs to the disabled toilets and water-damaged sections of the main hall.

The works will start on September 1 and are expected to be completed in early October.

During this time, the hall will be closed to the public, with boom and scissor lifts operating in and around the site.

Residents are asked to keep clear of the area for safety and temporary pedestrian diversions will be in place on the footpaths around the site while works are carried out.

Contractors will begin on the side of the building closest to the kindergarten and childcare centre, which will limit access to this carpark in the early stages of the project.

Council Chief Executive Officer David Bezuidenhout said these works would address general wear, water damage and long-term maintenance needs, while preserving the building’s historical character.

“The improvements will extend the hall’s lifespan, improve safety, and allow this iconic venue to continue hosting events for decades to come,” he said.

“Preserving heritage buildings like the Kaniva Shire Hall ensures our local history remains alive.”

Built in 1927 and opened in 1929, the heritage-listed Kaniva Shire Hall is one of only two public buildings in Victoria to feature a cameo ceiling, making it a treasured community landmark.

West Wimmera Shire Council acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government’s Tiny Towns Fund for supporting this important project.