Wardell community

Neighbourhood Centre

Festival of Small Halls – Wardell | Wednesday May 20th

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A big night is coming to our small hall.

Festival of Small Halls returns to Wardell Memorial Hall for another unforgettable evening of live music, good food, and community connection.

After two incredible years of sold-out shows and a hall filled with music and laughter, we’re proud to welcome this much-loved national tour back to the village of Wardell. What began as a special one-off has quickly become something our community looks forward to each year.

On Wednesday, 20 May 2026, Wardell will host the opening night of the tour, featuring internationally acclaimed artists Old Man Luedecke (Canada) and The Barleyshakes Duo. Known for bringing world-class musicians into small regional communities, Festival of Small Halls creates an intimate and memorable live music experience — right here at home.

This is more than just a concert. It’s a full community evening.

Come early and enjoy gourmet bratwurst from the Wardell Neighbourhood Centre, coffee and delicious cakes from Broadwater Community Social, and a selection of local beers, wine, and soft drinks. Then settle in as the hall transforms into a live music venue filled with warmth, connection, and incredible sound.

All proceeds from the evening support the ongoing work of the Wardell Neighbourhood Centre and its community programs.

A night truly not to be missed.

In 2025 our team packed a lot of boxes and distributed a lot of fresh food around the region! Its amazing what is made possible by local people showing up for each other.

What started as a simple idea—making fresh, healthy food more accessible—has grown into something much bigger. Together we are supporting hundreds of households through a simple system that aims to put nutrition, connection and affordability at the centre.

We’re now working towards expanding this program into Ballina and we’re currently looking for a suitable space to establish a new local collection point—somewhere welcoming, accessible, and community-minded.

If you know of a space, a potential partner, or would like to support the next stage of this work—whether through a small donation or by getting involved—we’d love to hear from you.

One Year On - Wardell 2023 ( images - Lauren Philips, Love Her Wild Photography )

KINDNESS

WELLBEING

DIGNITY

COMMUNITY

RESPECT

KINDNESS WELLBEING DIGNITY COMMUNITY RESPECT

COMMUNITY RISK AND RESPONSE SURVEY

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The Wardell community resilience facility is operated by Wardell Community Organised Resilience Effort Inc. [ Wardell CORE ]

WardellCORE offers support, resources and positive vibes to the community of Wardell and the surrounding district. Our vision is to help navigate the complexities of flood recovery, provide continuity of care and ongoing support for the social, economical, environmental and cultural development of the Wardell region.

Our volunteer team is comprised of a diverse group of people who have varying experiences and skills. The WardellCORE is built on a foundation of collaboration, respect and inclusion.

We are grateful to live, work and play in and around Bilaarwal (Wardell) on the banks of the Baluun ( Richmond River ). We pay our respect to the traditional owners of the Nyangbul lands in the Bundjalung Nation. We also make special recognition of the impact that the recent natural disaster has had on our near neighbours of the Monggongbin ( Cabbage Tree Island ) community.

thank you Trudy Roberts for support and permission to include Bundjalung language

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“We couldn’t do this without generous support, contributions and partnerships. Acknowledging that disaster recovery takes a nation - we give thanks to all the amazing individuals, communities and organisations that continue to be a part of this journey.”

— Wardell CORE