Institute & Former Council Chambers

The Institute has been the centre of the town’s social and cultural activity ever since it was built. In 1942 the council chambers and institute were linked. This now one building was extensively renovated as a Bi-centennial Project in 1988.

1877   District Hall (Council Chamber) erected

1878   Laying of foundation-stone of Mintaro Institute, February 4

1878   Institute completed, funds raised by public subscription

1942   Former Council Chambers joined by ‘lounge’ with Mintaro Institute building

1988   Institute renovated as an Australian Bi-centennial Project

2019   Institute refurbished and facilities upgraded

Mintaro Institute and Former Council Chambers, 2024 (MPA/pgm)

A meeting of the Stanley District Council was first held on May 5th 1868, the main outcome of which was a petition to call on the Government to establish a local court there. The Register of June 5th 1868 listed A. Melville, J.P. as Chairman and Patrick Dowd, George Faulkner, Daniel Brady and Henry Jolley as Councillors. About 9 years after the first meeting the Council Chamber, now known as the Civic or District Hall was built. It was linked to the adjoining Institute in 1942, ten years after the Stanley District Council was amalgamated with the District Council of Clare. The Civic Hall, on the right, was built in 1877 and the adjacent Institute was built a year later in 1878.

The Institute has been the centre of the town’s social, cultural and entertainment activity. It has served as a polling booth and centre for issuing ration books, and on its walls are hung the various Honour Rolls of the Fallen as well as prominent local citizens. A bio-box was added in 1949 and in 1951 it was noted that the Institute “… was equipped with modern fluorescent lighting, Dunlopillo seats in some chairs, a bio-box and an electric tea urn is the centre of communal life”. In 1987 the recent extension linkage was built and both buildings restored and upgraded. The buildings were originally enclosed along the front by picket fencing which survived as late as 1951. Again, in 2019, the Institute was refurbished, adding wheelchair access to the supper room and an all-abilities toilet, as well as refitting the kitchen with improved facilities. This refurbishment was supported through a Building Better Regions Fund grant in conjunction with the Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council.[1]

The Institute continues to be a hub for the Mintaro community, for meetings and events, and as a place for gathering on solemn occasions. The annual ANZAC Dawn Service is held by the war memorial in front of the Institute.

With its upgraded facilities the Institute is available for public hire as a venue for meetings, conferences, weddings, receptions and the like.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Heritage Status

State Heritage Place, SAHR 11650, confirmed 5 April 1984.

Newspaper articles

Meeting supporting Council Chamber and Institute
South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Wed 7 Mar 1877, p.5

Notice of Tender for Mintaro Council Chamber
Evening Journal (Adelaide, SA : 1869 – 1912), Tue 10 Apr 1877, p.1

Laying of Institute Foundation Stone
Adelaide Observer (SA : 1843 – 1904), Sat 9 Feb 1878, p.19

South Australian Register (Adelaide, SA : 1839 – 1900), Sat 23 Feb 1878, p.3

Notice of Tender for Institute Renovation 1909
The Advertiser (Adelaide, SA : 1889 – 1931), Wed 10 Nov 1909, p.2

Alterations and Additions to Mintaro Institute
Northern Argus (Clare, SA : 1869 – 1954), Fri 24 Jul 1942, p.6

Report of Opening Ceremony of Alterations to Mintaro Institute
Northern Argus (Clare, SA : 1869 – 1954), Fri 31 Jul 1942, p.3

Other documents

History of Mintaro Institute 1878-1978 [link to Centenary booklet]

Mintaro Institute timeline [link to poster]

NOTES
1. Mintaro conservation study, McDougall & Vines (Architectural & Heritage Consultants), Norwood, South Australia, 1988.