The long-awaited upgrade of the Kergunyah Memorial Hall has moved a step closer with the awarding of a contract to Barton St Developments for just over $480,000.
The journey toward this upgrade began when Council allocated $40,000 in its 2017/18 budget to support the renovation of the supper room, kitchen facilities, and the elevation of the hall floor for enhanced accessibility enhanced accessibility with the hope of attracting grant funding. However, over the following three years, few suitable grant opportunities emerged, resulting in no successful applications.
A turning point came in January 2021 when the project received joint Federal and State Government support through a $296,000 grant to support communities impacted by the 2019/20 bushfires. In addition, the Kergunyah Hall Committee generously contributed $50,000.
The upgrades encompass the partial demolition of service areas within the hall, making way for a new expansion on the west side of the main hall space and a modern kitchen and pantry at the rear of the expansion. In line with a commitment to preserving the hall's heritage, all original windows and internal lining boards will be repurposed in the redevelopment to maintain the hall's unique character.
Recognising the growing needs of the project and the associated costs, Council allocated an additional $120,000 to the project through its 2022/23 annual budget and mid-year review, bringing the total project budget to $505,860.
Deputy Mayor, Bernard Gaffney says with no other community facilities, including sports grounds or playgrounds available in the town, the Kergunyah Hall plays a vital role in providing a space for community members of all ages to gather and connect. He says the upgrade will bring the facility in line with accessibility standards and improve the kitchen to cater to community events.
He says throughout the project's evolution, including consultations with the committee, heritage considerations, cost adjustments, and alignment with building requirements, the original project objectives have remained at its core.
