Karatta Hall

The Karatta Hall 1962-1983

"Karatta" is an Aboriginal word meaning "the joining of the waters"

On this site, the local people and Soldier Settlers who arrived between 1950-1952, erected a community hall. It became the hub of the south western district of Kangaroo Island.

The Hall was opened by Cr. Don Pillar on October 26, 1962, in the presence of 400 people. Adjacent to the hall there was a local school, church and oval. Monthly dances, balls, wedding receptions, meetings youth, agricultural and sporting activities ensured that the hall was frequently in use.

After extensive fund-raising by the women and men in the district, the hall was built in 1962 by Mr. Kevin O'Neill, assisted by Mr. George Lonzar plus a daily volunteer roster for the local men.

The hall was 62 feet x 32 feet in size, with a large stage, a kitchen, an entrance lobby. The cost was 1,40 pounds.

After the north-western community of Gosse built a new hall and sporting complex for the "Western Districts" in 1983, the Karatta Hall was eventually closed and removed.

A Karatta Reunion was held on this site in 2014, when donations, augmented by the Kangaroo Island Pioneers Association, enabled this illustrated sign to be erected.

Photo: Daniel Rowley