February 11th, 2026Creswick Town Hall celebrates 150 years

Creswick Town Hall is celebrating 150 years since its building began in 1876.
In 1873 the town council decided to build new offices and offered £50 for a winning design, won by architect W.R.H. Creber of Ballarat. The builder who won the tender was A.J. Boulder at a price of £3000.
Council meetings were held in the upstairs chamber for many years and portraits of many mayors, shire presidents and councillors adorn the walls. The building was the centre of town activities – the large room was the library, people paid rates etc.
In the 1960s there was talk of demolishing the building, but after much lobbying the council offices were opened as a museum, housing many historic exhibits and artworks by local artists including the famous Lindsay family.
The main hall has been used over the years for many events, concerts, dinners, balls, flower shows, orations and as a movie cinema when the biobox (projector room) was added in the early 1940s.
To celebrate the 150th anniversary, the Creswick & District Historical Society in conjunction with the Creswick Museum will be open from Thursday, February 26 until Sunday, March 1 from 9am until 3pm each day, with displays of historic interest.
At 10.30am on the Thursday there will be an official opening with invited guests, and anyone who would like to come along at that time is welcome. There will be a birthday cake and refreshments.
Other community groups will also be involved – the Creswick Brass Band will play at 2pm on Saturday, February 28, the Creswick Garden Club will have a floral display to acknowledge one of the first events in the Town Hall, and several other groups will have displays. Entry by donation.
The Havilah Masonic Lodge in Albert Street will also be open during this time. The building is unique and not to be missed.
The Creswick Senior Citizens will provide refreshments on Saturday and Sunday.

Words: Contributed