[5][6] Opening 1 May 1890, the Temperance Hall was used for religious gatherings, tea drinking, live entertainment and family-focused activities.

[9] As influence of the Temperance movement in Australia waned following The Great War, the venue was increasingly used for dances, skating and as a cinema projecting silent films.

Although the theatre was popular, the operators were allured by the larger profit margins found in cinema exhibition.

The Avalon was taken over by Village Cinemas in July 1969 and closed in November 1976, coinciding with the opening of their new West End Twin theatre on Collins Street.

[20] The same year, the venue was used for concerts by House of Vnholy, Chrysta Bell and Rebekah Del Rio as part of Dark Mofo celebrations.