Fifty firefighters rushed to the Provincial Street property last Thursday just before 3pm and found the building at the rear of St Thomas Anglican Church engulfed in fire.
Wearing breathing apparatus, firefighters entered the building to search for occupants but were forced back by the intense heat and flames. A short time later, the weatherboard and iron building collapsed.
Firies prevented the fire from spreading to the church, and neighbouring properties, including units, a home and community building.
The hall was destroyed but no-one was injured.
A 27-year-old man arrested nearby was arrested and charged with possess prohibited drug and breach of bail before being taken to hospital for treatment. The following day he was also charged with damaging a property by fire.
