Forester’s Hall

Foresters Hall - 16 Latrobe Terrace, Paddington QLD.

Constructed around 1889 for the Ancient Order of Foresters, Paddington Branch. One of the many cultural traditions brought from Britain, friendly societies such as the Foresters provided medical and pharmaceutical insurance in return for an annual fee. Foresters were set up as a non-profit organization, the founding principles of the Society being to provide financial and social benefits as well as support to members and their families in times of unemployment, sickness, death, disability and old age.

The Paddington branch of the Foresters was known as "Court Foresters Hope" and they met every second Monday. By the turn of the century, the Paddington Foresters had 81 benefit members.

Originally lit by kerosene lamps which were converted to gas in 1892, the hall had the capacity for 320 people and was designed by architect AB Wilson and built by Walter Taylor.

It was made a public hall in 1927 and was sold in 1976 to the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes and sold again in 1996 and 2004. It is now a commercial space and is occupied by Vinnies Op Shop.

History of “THE HILL”