Venue manager Shana Miatke said the day would start with a morning tea at 10am at the art gallery, with gallery director Adam Harding’s insight on the From the Darkness exhibition, and public tours running from 11am to 3pm with a presentation of the hall’s achievements. 

Mrs Miatke said while the hall was born in controversy, its first year has proven its significant role in the community. 

“It builds cultural experiences and gives us the opportunity to experience as our city counterparts do,” she said. 

“It brings tourism to the town.

“It’s exceeded all expectations, people love it.”

Mrs Miatke said the hall had hosted sold out schools shows, student workshops and great cultural shows and benefited the whole region.

“We’ve seen an increase in booking rates, 30 per cent above last year.

“It’s a great cultural experience for people to come and see quality shows and art that we’re now able to accommodate because of the town hall.”