Campaigns
Government's to Ease Living Costs
Bendigo Trades Hall calls on all levels of Government to help ease the pressure on all Australians due to the rising cost of living. Our demands: 1) Living income for all 2) Close the gender pay gap 3) Free Childcare 4)Increase public housing to meet demand Government's at all levels can and should introduce policies that help the working class people of all age race and gender.
About Us
A Brief History
The Bendigo Trades Hall has a long history in Bendigo. Our building, originally the Mining Wardens Court established to hear Mining disputes, was constructed as a meeting place for local labour organisations affiliated as the Bendigo Trades and Labour Council of Bendigo, on land granted to them in View Street. Labour organisations received strong support in Bendigo from the earliest days of the township, when the poor working conditions of the miners led to the creation of, firstly the Miners' Eight Hours Association in the 1860s and then the Bendigo Miners' Association in the 1870s. With the development of the town and the influx of variously skilled workers, other labour organisations were formed and, in 1885, the Bendigo Trades and Labour Council was established as an umbrella body. The Council were granted the use of an early mining warden's court in View Street, to which additions were made in 1896 enabling the use of the building as a trades hall. In 1913 a large two storeyed section fronting View Street was added to the Bendigo Trades Hall, designed by architect, JH Hurley. In the 1930s and 1940s the early hall is thought to have been demolished and a replacement hall constructed. This building is still in use today and is supported by 24 affiliated unions.
What we offer
The Bendigo Trades Hall Council has long been a progressive voice for the central Victorian working class. A gathering of delegates representing our affiliate unions happens on a monthly basis. These meeting are where issues workers throughout central Victoria face are discussed and plans for action are made. We provide support to our affiliates and their members by assisting with their campaigns, running our own and raising community awareness. We also assist workers to connect with their union or help them find a union that suits. We provide and maintain meeting rooms and a large hall where our affiliates can conduct both training and mass meetings.
Hall Hire
An opportunity exists for community groups to hire our venue. We offer very competitive rates at our centrally located building. To enquire please contact the office on (03) 5443 5173.
Bookings are essential and subject to availability.