A NEW kitchen, upgraded heating and accessibility improvements will all be included in an upcoming refurbishment of Emmaville War Memorial Hall.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall last week announced $131,658 from the state government grant would modernise the 'civic centre' of the community.
Glen Innes Severn Council mayor Rob Banham, who is also and chair of the Emmaville Hall Committee, said the designated NSW Rural Fire Service neighbourhood safe place required improvements to bring it up to community standards.
READ MORE:
"The Black Summer bushfires in our shire really highlighted the importance of communities having a central, quality space to gather in times of disaster," Cr Banham said.
"Upgraded facilities, including kitchen renovations and heating, will provide much needed comfort for residents during these distressing periods of displacement.
"Also, the people of Emmaville love live entertainment so I hope an upgraded facility will help us to attract higher calibre entertainment and artists," he said.
Mr Marshall said the project would deliver the most comprehensive upgrade in the building's history.
"When Emmaville War Memorial Hall opened in 1954, it was described in the Glen Innes Examiner as 'the best of its kind anywhere in the north,' - 70 years on I think it still holds that title," Mr Marshall said.
"That said, it is time the beautiful old structure had a make-over, with the hall's 355 committee of Glen Innes Severn Council, developing a suite of works to freshen the place up, inside and out.
"As one of the main venues for community functions - family gatherings, school presentations and Glen Innes Preschool - renovations to make the kitchen more user friendly and WH&S compliant will be welcomed by everyone.
"The hall will be painted inside and out and the exterior fence, exits and ramps, windows and landings will all be strengthened and brought up to modern standards.
"The ceiling in the main hall will be replaced, while the original floor and stage will be sanded and resurfaced.
"Updated gas heating will make the venue more comfortable during winter.
"Each of these projects works to bolster the structural integrity of the hall, reducing the need for costly regular ongoing maintenance.
"Emmaville is an incredibly proud and self-sufficient community, and investments like this ensure that independence can continue."
Mr Banham said the project was expected to commence by mid this year and be completed by June 2023.
"On behalf of the 113 families who call Emmaville village home, I thank Adam and the State Government for this generous support," he said.
