The Richmond Valley was severely impacted by bushfires which started in August 2019. The fire impacted 48 percent of the local government area and more than 350 homes, outbuildings, and facilities.  

The Rappville Hall, originally located at 14 Murray Street Rappville, was destroyed on the 8th of October 2019 by the Busbys Flat fire, which also destroyed a third of the village’s residences. The Hall was officially opened on the 17th of February 1927 and has been an integral part of the Rappville community ever since. The Hall has played host to weddings, birthday parties, dances, social club gatherings and other functions for the village residents and the many surrounding farming and timbre families. 

The construction of a new community hall for Rappville was a priority for Richmond Valley Council after the original hall was destroyed during the 2019 bushfires. 

This important project was jointly funded by the Australian Government, BizRebuild, a bushfire-recovery initiative of the Business Council of Australia, and Council through its insurance funds from the hall’s loss. 

The plans were designed by award-winning Sydney architect Virginia Kerridge, with landscape architecture by Jane Irwin. The new plans included a generous-sized hall and outdoor deck, a separate building housing a communal kitchen and supper room, a covered outdoor dining area, and storage and amenities areas. 

Local contractor Bennett and Robertson were awarded the contract for construction, which included hall replacement, outdoor undercover community area, playground equipment, car parking, BBQ and outdoor kitchen, and landscaping works. This project was completed, with the official opening taking place in February 2023.