For Rebekah Rogers (pictured) and Dean King, their journey to Narrandera began with a building that had captured their hearts.

“We came to visit this beautiful old soul of a building, affectionately known to the locals as ‘HALLS,’ back in 2015, and fell in love,” Rebekah recalls.

The couple bought the heritage building the following year, discovering its rich history as a 1940s hotel once run by Ted Hall.

From that point, Hall’s Cuisine & Collectables became a passion project – part café, part antique store, and all heart.

The building’s vintage charm and welcoming warmth have made it a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike, a true reflection of Narrandera’s community spirit. Locals drop in for coffee, visitors stop to browse the antiques, and conversations flow easily.

“Through our business, we’ve made so many beautiful connections that have grown into lifelong friendships,” Rebekah says. “There’s something special about small towns – you get to know people deeply, and they get to know you back.”

Both Rebekah and Dean are active community members, volunteering with Lions Club, Meals on Wheels, Landcare, and the Narrandera Garden Club. They’re also proud supporters of Can Assist and other local organisations.

 “Giving back is important to us,” Rebekah adds. “We know funding can be limited in smaller communities, so we help wherever we can.”

The name Narrandera comes from the Wiradjuri word Narrungdera, meaning “place of the lizard or goanna.” For Rebekah, who is of Wiradjuri descent, the move back to Country was deeply meaningful.

“We were looking for something with soul and character,” she explains. “For me, being of Wiradjuri descent, I wanted to be back on Country. From that first visit, it felt like home. The people here are so friendly, and many have become family to us.”

With Dean’s career in the Australian Defence Force taking him across New South Wales and Victoria, the couple needed a home base.

“We needed somewhere Dean could come home to on weekends,” Rebekah says. “I transferred my job to Leeton, then later returned to my trade as a chef and reopened the café upstairs.”