Nhill & District Historical Society receives support from Council

Published on 22 October 2021

Hindmarsh Shire Council has decided to take on the role of Committee of Management for the old Lowan Shire Hall. This follows concerns from the Nhill and District Historical Society over the future of the building.

Council was approached by the Nhill and District Historical Society following a meeting held with a representative of DEWLP. The Society were concerned about the future of their building, with DEWLP indicating they do not have any funds to maintain and undertake maintenance works on the building.

The building at 104-106 MacPherson Street Nhill was built in 1888 and was first occupied by the Lowan Shire Council following an official opening in early May 1888. Following the relocation of the Lowan Shire to the current Council office site at 92 Nelson Street in the 1960’s the building has been home to the Nhill and District Historical Society.

Council will now work with DELWP to become the Committee of Management on the parcel, which could take up to 18 months to be finalised.

Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ron Ismay said “Council are pleased to be able to assist the Nhill and District Historical Society in remaining at the old Lowan Shire Hall.” He continued “there are not many buildings around Nhill of this age, and we need to preserve them for future generations.”

Nhill and District Historical Society holds an archive of early settlers list; district school’s information; oral history archival materials; Clydesdale Breeders yearbooks along with other records of historic value.

Nhill and District Historical Society secretary Kay Scott along with other members are over the moon with the news that the Hindmarsh Shire are going to pick up responsibility of the Old Lowan Shire building. “Council’s decision allows the Historical Society to continue to have this wonderful building to house our ever growing collection, we now can look into the future and continue with displays and research.”

Following the Committee of Management being finalised, Council will enter into a user agreement with Nhill and District Historical Society to remain tenants of the building into the foreseeable future.

Greg Wood
Chief Executive Officer