Clunes and Creswick Town Halls are being revitalised thanks to investment from the Andrews Labor Government, enabling the much-loved buildings to become historic centerpieces of their local communities.
Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas today cut the ribbon on the newly refurbished Clunes Town Hall building which has been given a face-lift with a $317,000 grant from the Labor Government.
Built in 1873 on the back of the Victorian Gold Rush, the building hosts a range of community events including the town's annual book festival, Booktown, as well as community dinners, concerts, exhibitions and school socials.
The project has included remedial works identified in a recent heritage study, including brick and masonry repairs to the exterior and interior of the building, as well as extensive carpentry and joinery works.
The Government is also investing $500,000 under its recently announced Regional Infrastructure Fund - Stimulus Round to enable the Hepburn Shire to undertake improvements to the 145-year old Creswick Town Hall.
The Creswick Town Hall has stayed an active part of the community since it was opened in 1876 and holds many memories for older members of the community who remember it as a picture theatre prior to 1970.
The package of works will include roof plumbing, electrical work, painting and fixing some structural cracking to restore a highly valued community asset.
Clunes Town Hall recently reopened to the public while works are expected to begin shortly on Creswick Town Hall. The restorations of both historic buildings will support tourism and help the region bounce back from the pandemic.
The Regional Infrastructure Fund is part of the Labor Government's flagship $156 million Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund, helping businesses create more jobs in regional Victoria, supporting community projects and backing councils to build the infrastructure that locals and visitors need.
The stimulus round will boost local economies as they recover from the effects of the pandemic and create jobs while improving tourism and community infrastructure.
The fund is part of the Labor Government's almost $30 billion investment in regional and rural Victoria.
The second round of the Fund's 2020/21 program opened for applications on 16 June. Information and guidelines for the Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund can be found at rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif.
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Mary-Anne Thomas
"These priority town hall projects form part of an investment plan for the future of the region, creating more jobs and revitalising community assets - we are proud to support Hepburn Shire to help make these projects a reality."
As stated by Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford
"Places like Clunes and Creswick Town Hall sit at the heart of our regional communities and I'm so pleased we are able to help restore these grand buildings to their former glory."
