Broken Hill Trades Hall, Labor heritage building in Broken Hill, Australia

Broken Hill Trades Hall is a Victorian building at 34 Sulphide Street, designed by local architect Tom Jackson and built in two stages from 1898 to 1905. It is little altered externally since construction, and its chief internal feature is a vast painted ceiling in a geometrical pattern. The first section, opened in January 1899, held the main hall, two meeting rooms and the Amalgamated Miners' Association office.

Plans for a trades hall began in 1890, when Henry Parkes set aside the site, but construction only started in 1898 after the failed 1892 miners' strike. Architect Tom Jackson designed the first section, opened on 12 January 1899, and the completed building was inaugurated in August 1905. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.

This place reflects the strong labor movement that shaped Broken Hill and how the mining community fought for workers' rights. The exhibition spaces tell stories of union struggles and the daily lives of miners in this region.

You can visit the building, but it is best to call ahead to confirm opening hours and arrange a tour. This helps ensure someone is there to show you around when you arrive.

The foundation stone was laid on 5 June 1898 by Ben Tillett, a British trade union leader, after Henry Parkes had set aside the site in 1890. Local architect Tom Jackson designed the building and also served as clerk of works.