Orange Function Centre is celebrating its 60th anniversary, with Orange City Councillors to take part in an event to mark the milestone tomorrow.
Previously known as the Amoco Hall, the facility opened its doors on 10 June 1965, built by volunteer builders after a massive community fundraising effort.
Orange Mayor, Tony Mileto said the hall had been the venue for countless concerts, balls, theatre shows, eisteddfods, civic receptions, conferences, awards presentations, exhibitions, weddings, graduations and dances over the years.
“The Function Centre has been a beloved hub of the Orange community for 60 remarkable years,” Mayor Mileto said.
“There wouldn’t be many Orange residents who don’t have fond memories of unforgettable events and time spent celebrating family milestones at the centre.”
The Function Centre has hosted some renowned performers in the past 60 years, including the Easybeats, Normie Rowe, Col Joy, Little Patie, Johnny O’Keefe, Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs, Ray Brown and the Whispers, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Cold Chisel and, recently, Tones & I.
It also hosted the welcome to Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip when they visited Orange in April 1970.
Orange Councillors will gather with people who were involved in the Function Centre’s construction, as well as residents and staff who use the facility, at a 60th anniversary celebration tomorrow.
Invited guests will cut the anniversary cake, share stories and see photos and memorabilia of the centre’s 60 years.
“It will be a real trip down memory lane, remembering all the old bandstands and music events that have happened there in the past, but also an opportunity to think about what the future holds for such an important community asset,” Mayor Mileto said.
