FIVE Fraser Coast community halls have been upgraded to the tune of nearly $1-million.
The $963,000 Council project was funded with the help of a $300,000 grant from the State Government’s Works for Queensland Program.
NOW READ: New surface for Hervey Bay bikeway
Council said in a statement that while it undertakes a regular inspection and maintenance program for halls, the state funding allowed it to bring projects forward and, in some cases, expand on them.
Mayor George Seymour said the network of halls across the region is vital.
“They are community hubs; places where residents get together to socialise, play and cement their bonds to the local community,” Cr Seymour said.
“The halls host community activities such as playgroups, dance, fitness, wellbeing, and music classes, as well as balls, school musicals, expos or craft stalls, 21st birthdays, engagement parties and weddings,” he continued.
“The old-time dance nights at the Tinana Hall have been a meeting place for people from across the region. Hundreds of Fraser Coast couples have meet, fallen in love, and married after attending the dances.”
He said the dances themselves have raised thousands of Dollars for charity over the years.
ALSO READ: Fraser Coast community grants applications open
Member for Maryborough Bruce Saunders said such projects across Queensland were helping drive economic recovery by supporting local jobs.
“It is fantastic that the Works for Queensland program has been able to ensure that the community can continue to use and enjoy these facilities,” Mr Saunders said.
Funding was invested in projects at halls in Tinana, Granville, Teebar, Woocoo and Pialba.
Tinana: Full replacement of floorboards; joists; bearers and stumps; refurbishment of male and female amenities; upgrades to disability access with the addition of a unisex disability compliant toilet and access ramp; full internal repaint.
Granville: Refurbishment to male and female amenities; floor re-finished; full kitchen refurbishment; lights and fans to main hall; disability ramp and structural repairs.
Teebar: Refurbishment works to the hall that also hosts large camp draft and rodeo events; upgrades to food preparation areas; replacement and installation of more rainwater tanks; installation of an ultraviolet filtration for drinking water.
Woocoo: The frequently used wedding reception venue had a kitchen refresh, paint and regrouting of tiles; installation of an ultraviolet filtration system for drinking water; floor resurfaced.
Pialba: Refresh of kitchen amenities; replacement of floorboards, piers, joists and bearers; internal repaint.
ALSO READ: WetSide Waterpark upgrades underway