A project to revitalise Nanneella Community Hall with $300,000 Brumby Labor Government funding will enable the Hall to host bigger functions, and expand social and business opportunities, the Member for Northern Victoria Region, Candy Broad said today in Nanneella.
“This wonderful project will transform Nanneella Hall into a multipurpose community hub that will have many social and economic benefits,” Ms Broad said.
“First, it will keep expenditure and activities local rather than outsourcing to surrounding larger towns, and utilise 35 local people during construction.
“Second, it will create a positive sense of community, a venue for affordable social interaction and an accessible service centre.
“It is a very important project to this town of 300 because it will increase business and social opportunities, increase access to services and facilities, and promote Nanneella as a vibrant and liveable community.”
The Nanneella Community Hall Revitalisation Project will include:
- Demolition of the old kitchen and construction and fit-out of a larger commercial kitchen that can cater for a wide range of large functions and events;
- Construction and fit-out of a new community room;
- A meeting room/waiting room and consultation rooms for visiting businesses and services (including health and finance professionals);
- Wheelchair accessible toilet and women’s room, and;
- Installation of solar hot water.
The project includes air-conditioning in the main Hall to enable year-round use, wheelchair access ramps to the Hall foyer, and safety ramps to the stage and kitchen. The upgrade brings it into line with disability access, Occupational Health and Safety and food safety standards. Solar water heating will reduce energy costs.
The $407,857 project is being funded with a $300,000 grant through Victorian Government’s Small Towns Drought Program; $20,734 from Campaspe Shire Council, $70,000 Federal Government funding, and $17,123 community cash and in-kind contributions.
“The decline of local income and the population drift resulting from a loss of on-farm employment as a result of the drought has had a big impact on Nanneella,” Ms Broad said.
“As well as benefiting local businesses, the upgraded Hall will encourage more community activities such as theatre groups, educational and information events, and community dinners bringing people together to help offset the effects of the drought on families.”
Ms Broad said the Small Towns Drought Program was making a big difference to drought-affected towns in provincial Victoria.
The Fund has so far helped develop 471 community and social infrastructure projects.