Mongarlowe Community Hall

The Veolia Mulwaree Trust is proud to have supported the development of the Mongarlowe Community Hall, a vital facility that officially opened in late 2025. More than just a gathering space, this hall represents the resilience, determination, and spirit of a community that refused to be defined by disaster.

Rising from the Ashes

The Mongarlowe area was severely impacted by the 2019 bushfires, enduring 70 consecutive days of smoke exposure. During the height of the crisis, the community found itself vulnerable, with limited communications and support. 

The Mongarlowe Community Hall is now a place of refuge and resilience—a facility that ensures the community will never have to face such challenges again without proper support and infrastructure.

A Lifeline in Times of Crisis

The hall has already proven its value to the community. During the recent January heatwaves, it opened its doors to provide much-needed respite, offering air conditioning and free internet access to residents seeking relief from extreme temperatures.

Designed specifically as a bushfire refuge, the hall features:

• Fire-resistant metal exterior shell and heat-resistant glass
• Ember-catching mesh over air vents
• Advanced air-conditioning system that removes smoke and other particles
• Water reserves and surrounding fire breaks

These features ensure that when there is a bushfire threat, the community will have a safe place to shelter.

Connecting the Community

In an area where mobile coverage is limited due to surrounding hills, the hall serves as a Smart Hub with satellite internet connectivity. This digital lifeline connects students, small businesses, and community members to the wider world.

Beyond its emergency response capabilities, the hall also provides space for community activities including market stalls, yoga classes, play groups, movie nights, music events, and parties—strengthening the social bonds that make rural communities thrive.

Building Back Better

The Mongarlowe Community Hall shows a community's choice to not just recover, but to build back better. 

The project was made possible through collaboration between multiple partners, including grants from the Commonwealth Government, Bendigo Bank, and the Veolia Mulwaree Trust. It was driven forward by dedicated volunteers and small donations, supported by the Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council.

A Model for Community Resilience

The Mongarlowe Community Hall stands as a testament to what can be achieved when communities, government, and corporate partners work together toward a common goal. It demonstrates that meaningful support means more than just funding—it means empowering communities to shape their own futures and build the infrastructure they need to thrive.

At Veolia, we're honored to have played a role in bringing this vital facility to life through the Veolia Mulwaree Trust. The Mongarlowe Community Hall represents our commitment to supporting resilient, sustainable communities that can face future challenges with confidence and hope.