Sometime in 1919-1920, Tuncurry people began a movement to build a hall in memory of those who fought in World War I, 1914-1918. Committees were formed to make inquiries as to where the building would be situated, how to finance the project and the design of the hall.

Mr. Underwood had built a hall next to the Bellevue Hotel which had been used successfully for public purposes but the people wanted a larger hall of their own. The committees worked well and the hall plans were drawn up. A debenture scheme was formed to finance the project and people willing to purchase the debentures listed.

On 3 October 1920, a public meeting was held to consider the advisability of erecting a new hall on the Recreation Ground. A motion to build the Hall was put to the meeting and was carried.

Mr. H.O. Wright was empowered to make arrangements for the carting of the timber from the wharf at Wright's Mill to the Hall site. A condition was inserted in the contract that the Hall must be completed by 31 May 1921, any excess would be subject to a fine of one pound ($2.00) for each working day. A call was made of one pound ($2.00) for each debenture to be paid on or before 31 December. All moneys paid were to be banked in the Commonwealth Savings Bank at Tuncurry, operated on by C.M. Wright and L. Dreyer on behalf of the committee.

At a meeting on 28 April a further payment was payable on 7 May 1921.

On 27 May, it was decided that an Insurance Policy be taken out with South British Society for a cover of 500 pounds ($1000.00) at the time of weather boarding, increasing to 1000 pounds ($2000.00) as progress was made with the building. Later it was increased to 1200 pounds ($2400.00). Milled Oregon was to be procured for 24 seats.

On Tuesday 21 June, a Public Meeting was held for arrangements to be made for the opening. The Hall would be opened with a Concert and Dance to be held on a Friday night, followed by a children's concert on Saturday night, organised by Mr. Lawler with a dance to follow afterwards. On the Saturday afternoon sports would be held, with a woodchop. Permission had to be obtained to run a Chocolate Wheel.

The opening was a great success in September 1921. The hall plan proved to be of high value. A good sized stage had entrance wings on each side and ample dressing room space along the back. The main hall had a gallery and the front doors opened to a foyer with a treasurer's box and female and male rooms at either end.

Dances were held regularly in the Hall. They were run by committee members and volunteers such as Misses Veronia Fazio, Brown, Eaton, Heather Thompson and Mrs. Dennison and music mostly provided by Beltons Band and the Miss Bulmers in those early days.

Silent picture shows were featured by a variety of groups, including Penn's Travelling Pictures, Star Pictures and Zenith Pictures.

Meetings were held using the stage or main hall. Balls were very popular and were held by organisations such as the Catholic Church, the Church of England, Tennis Club, Regatta Club, Surf Club, Cricketers, Footballers and Children's Dances. Concerts were held by the school on Empire Night. Miss Mollie Henz, later to become Mrs. Mollie Sciacca held dancing concerts where her pupils performed with talent and enthusiasm, Irish, Scottish, Tap, choruses and ballet all appearing on the program. An annual show was held and was very successful.

In 1933-34, Mr. Beal, who owned the Bellevue Hotel asked to rent the Hall to show movies. This was approved and he had the interior of the Hall painted by Mr. Horten and a screen that could be moved for concerts and dances was installed along with sound and lighting systems.

On 17 April 1937, a gala opening was arranged and the first movie to be shown was the premier of "Tall Timbers" in which Shirley Anne Richards was the star.

In 1943, Arthur Wedlock bought the equipment and took over the theatre. In 1953, Mr. Colliton who owned the Regent Theatre in Forster, took over. In the 1960s television arrived and the cinemas lost popularity.

In the 1970s, Mr. Howard asked to lease the hall again to run a Movie Theatre. Necessary repairs were made and the theatre continued to show films until late 1999.

Mr. Howard then vacated the hall and built a three cinema complex at the corner of Lake and Manning Street, Tuncurry. The hall was converted back to the original Memorial Hall and is used extensively by the local community once again.