The Austral Society was founded in 1903[1] due to the influence of The Toowoomba poet George Essex Evans[2] to promote Australian Arts and Culture.
[2] The plaque[1] located at 84 to 88 Margaret Street (Park Motor Inn) reads: "On this site stood the Austral Hall which was reported capable of accommodating 500 stage performers and an audience of 5,000.
[1] "Toowoomba’s Austral Society was founded by George Essex Evans in 1903 for the promotion and advancement of music, literature, art and science.
The Society bought the site of the former gaol (1864–1904) and Architect William Hodgen designed the building using three remaining outer walls.
"[1] A few other Australian towns (Bundaberg, Belgrave) also erected a communal use Arts & Culture building called Austral Hall.