Populins Hall has stood proudly on the ever-bustling Queen Street for decades, and holding a rich history, and special place in the hearts of many within the Burdekin community.
The historic venue was, and forever will be a hive for activity, hosting regular events and occasions with millions of dancing shoes tapping on the classic wooden floors over the years. The space held many specular celebrations, sporting wrap-ups, weddings, dance rehearsals and more, with the balcony, overlooking Queen Street, hosting the official crowning of the Water Festival Queens during the Mardi Gra processions in the 60s.
The 1960s additionally saw the hall host many school dances and social events. St. Francis High School, the Marist Brothers School, and Ayr State High School annually held their highly anticipated, and ever popular dances, providing many students with the opportunity to dress up, and enjoy a formal night of celebration and socialisation.
In the 1970s Saturday nights had the community strapping on their dancing shoes, and donning their starched petticoats, stovepipe trousers, and hair sprayed updos to bust a move to the talented tunes including those produced by Townsville based band, The Squares. Many locals remember asking ladies for their hand to dance to the music of numerous local bands, and artists like Ron and Micky Odgers, Peter Wheelers, Billy Williamson, Norm Adcock, Allan and John Sinclair, and John McCathie.
Hundreds would fill the hall, spilling out to enjoy the popular atmosphere of the balcony, finding much enjoyment in meeting others, and engaging in casual conversations well into the night for what was “the highlight of the week” for most at the time. Many reminisce on having met their partners when indulging in the regular Saturday night happenings, and sharing in a dance for the first time with who would become their future husband or wife.
Populins Hall has homed millions of memories for both Burdekin locals, and travellers over its time, and its timeless structure will continue to welcome many more well into the future. An iconic pillar in the region’s history, Populins Hall has, and forever will be celebrated by the Burdekin community.
Populins Hall in September of 1967. Photo credit: Doug Thomas
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