Community and students to benefit from Hall opening

The University of Southern Queensland (USQ)/Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Theatre and Dance Hall, formerly known as the MS Middle Ridge Hall, will be opened at its new location at USQ on Saturday 28 June 2008.

The Hall was relocated in April this year after the original site on Hume Street was purchased by McNab for the construction of The Ridge Shopping Centre.

The 19th Century Hall with its solid hardwood floor is once again serving as the site for the MS Society dances which raise $15,000 each year.

USQ Manager (Planning and Space) Simon Pearl said the University was delighted to provide a new home for the Hall.

'Professor Maurice French and myself saw the newspaper article stating the Hall needed a new site and thought it could be an ideal opportunity as the university is zoned for community infrastructure,' Mr Pearl said.

'With the VC's commitment to community engagement in the region we thought this was an excellent opportunity to provide space for a facility that offers benefits to MS and community groups.'

A number of organisations provided generous financial and business assistance to the relocation of the Hall.

'With the encouragement and support of McNabs and MS, championed by Joyce Peters, the University funded the relocation and re-establishment and a degree of the refurbishment,' Mr Pearl said.

'MS made a significant financial contribution for the entrance foyer link between the Hall and the existing human performance centre. The link provides disabled, all weather access to the centre.

'Clive Berghofer donated $10,000 to the project as well which funded the construction of the disabled persons facilities

'Transtate Homes, Toowoomba also came on board in the Hall relocation. The director at the time was a past champion ballroom dancer so he was very keen to support the project and gave us cost price or less to assist.'

With the seamless assistance of the then Toowoomba City Council, the Mayor and Councillor Michelle Alroe the Hall was relocated in three parts creating a spectacular early morning sight.

The Hall is now used during the week by USQ acting classes, as well as the Student Guild who provide exercise classes for the MS Society.

'Our Lecturer in Theatre Robert Ketton has used it and believes the students find it a vibrant space,' Mr Pearl said.

'It is particularly suited for their purposes as students can do things inside then break out in groups outside.'

Mr Pearl said the MS society has been very supportive of what has jointly been achieved.

'Our formal lease with the MS Society provides them unrestricted access to the Hall, so they get long term tenure.

'We intend to keep improving the environment and see it as a very positive asset. It is an amicable marriage between the MS Society and the University.'

The USQ/MS Theatre and Dance Hall will be opened at 2pm on Saturday 28 June 2008 on the Steele Rudd Drive (off Baker Street).

Media Contact: Jane Urquhart USQ Media +61 7 4631 2559