When floodwaters rise, the hall stands ready.
Mitchells Island sits between the Manning River and the Pacific Ocean. In floods, bushfires and storms, our hall becomes the island's coordination point, refuge and community kitchen.
A designated safe place for the Mid Coast.
As part of our charitable purpose, the hall is maintained in constant readiness to open as a recovery centre for community disasters. When MidCoast Council or NSW SES declare an emergency, our volunteer land managers open the doors — day or night.
Emergency Meeting Point & Agency Briefings
Coordination node for NSW SES, RFS brigades, Red Cross, and local council recovery workers.
Power, Kitchen Facilities & Food Distribution
Commercial kitchen and sheltered dining area to feed isolated residents and emergency crews.
Community Wellbeing Hub
A dry, safe communal space to connect, access information, recharge devices, and receive assistance.
From normal bookings to emergency mode
The same hall that hosts weddings on Saturday can shelter neighbours by Sunday night. Here is how the transition works.
1. Emergency Declared
MidCoast Council, NSW SES or Rural Fire Service activate local emergency arrangements. Our volunteer committee is notified and the hall is readied.
2. Hall Opens as Recovery Centre
Doors open to affected residents. Kitchen, power, seating and shelter become available for evacuees, isolated families and emergency crews.
3. Recovery & Return
As waters recede or fire danger passes, the hall supports recovery briefings and clean-up coordination — then returns to normal community use.
What islanders should know before an emergency
Living on an island means looking out for each other. Keep these essentials in mind when severe weather is forecast for the Manning Valley.
Know where the hall is
1179 Manning Point Rd, Mitchells Island NSW 2430 — on the main island road, with flat access and on-site parking for residents and emergency vehicles.
Save the hall contact
Email info@mitchellsilandcommunityhall.com for non-urgent recovery centre queries. In a life-threatening emergency always call 000 first, and follow NSW SES advice on 132 500.
Bookings during emergencies
When the hall is activated as a recovery centre, regular events may be postponed at short notice. Hirers are always contacted directly by our booking officer.
Every hall hire keeps this refuge ready.
Hire fees go directly to maintaining the building, grounds and emergency readiness of your community hall.