Irwin Shire council gives demolition order on Port Denison’s historic Fishermen’s Hall

Port Denison’s historic Fishermen’s Hall is to be demolished.

Irwin Shire council this week voted to remove the old building and preserve the historic timbers and other heritage items for potential future use within the shire.

The building began its life in 1894 as a bond store when wool from Murchison stations and Mid West farms was exported directly from Port Denison.

The Dongara Professional Fishermen’s Association acquired the building and renovated it, adding concrete block cladding and new verandahs in 1996.

It was a popular weekly social centre for the fishing industry before Southerly’s Tavern appeared across the road.

The Heritage Council gave it a “low” integrity or authenticity rating, as little of the original building survived the renovation.