General News
23 March, 2026
Your place, your space
THE community is being invited by Cassowary Coast Regional Council to revitalise one of the region’s smaller community halls.
Council is inviting not-for-profit, incorporated community organisations to submit expressions of interest to occupy the South Johnstone Community Hall in Hynes Street.
The current hall is thought to be about 75-80 years old and the site and previous structures on it have been used over more than a century for anything from a temporary school, an arts centre, a venue for community and sugar industry events, weddings, birthdays and, in 2020, a bushfire appeal.
Now, Mayor Teresa Millwood says council is keen to have a tenant or tenants to move into the historic building.
“Council is keen to see the South Johnstone Hall become a well-used community space again,” Cr Millwood told The Observer.
“It has an important place in the district’s history and was once a central hub for local gatherings,” she said.
“Over time, as people became more connected to nearby towns and community needs changed, the hall hasn’t been used as much as it once was.”
Council’s expressions of interest advertisements state that tenure “may be approved for sole or shared use”, with agreements offered for a peppercorn rent of just $1 per year plus outgoings – electricity, water and waste.
The initial agreement term is one year, with potential for further tenure subject to usage and compliance.
“Through this expression of interest process, we’re hoping local not-for-profit groups will see the opportunity to bring activity back into the space, Cr Millwood said.
“This could include arts and cultural groups, recreational or sporting clubs or community support and charitable organisations looking for a place to meet or run activities.
“The hall is well suited to meetings, workshops, classes and community events, with a large open hall and simple facilities like a kitchenette, storage and amenities.
“Our goal is to see it once again become a well-loved place where the South Johnstone community can come together.”
Expressions of interest for tenure at the hall can be found on council’s website and close on Friday 27 March at 4pm.
The application form includes information on the building, tenancy costs, submission requirements and council’s ‘Community Use of Assets’ policy.
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