Australia Day saw members of the Deepwater community join together to celebrate the long-awaited official opening of its much-beloved Deepwater Hall.
Over the past year the Deepwater School of the Arts Hall has undergone extensive renovations to improve the facility and ensure its continual use.
The Deepwater Hall committee received $100,000 as part of Glen Innes Severn Council's 2020 Government Drought Community Funding to complete the renovations project.
With the addition of a $100,000 federally-funded grant the hall has received a fresh coat of paint, new gas heating, and the backstage area has been expanded, rebuilt and refurbished.
The extensive program of upgrades has included disability access, complete refurbishment and extension of the back dressing rooms, re-stumping, and painting.
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At the Australia Day breakfast held at Deepwater this year the hall was officially opened by Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce.
On Australia Day the hall was filled to a COVID-safe capacity with community members and important guests gathered for the free breakfast and celebration.
Representatives from a wide community demographic attended along with the Glen Innes Mayor, councillors, general manager Craig Bennett and some GISC council staff and Department of Primary Industries drought support worker Sue Rowland.
Chair of the Deepwater Hall, Mary Hollingworth said it was wonderful to have community members present for the official opening of the historic 104-year-old building.
"It was a true community Australia celebration recognising the ongoing dedication and commitment of a generous community supporting a much loved hall looking splendid now in its 104th year," Ms Hollingworth said.
"Our hall is a real community hub, and it is great to see the addition of the new facilities and upgrades appreciated by the community."
The Deepwater Hall committee is hopeful that the renovations to the hall will help increase its relevance as a space for all members of the community to utilise, and secure the hall's future significance in the town.