Glenorchy Hall to be refurbished

Monday, 18 July 2011

The flood-damaged Glenorchy Hall will be refurbished with the help of a $190,000 grant from the Victorian Government, Acting Minister for Regional and Rural Development Peter Walsh said today.

Mr Walsh said the funding would relocate and refurbish hall facilities damaged by the September 2010 floods.

The project will lift the floor level of the supper room and prepare the hall to withstand flooding in the future.

The hall is the only community facility in Glenorchy and, as such, is an important piece of community infrastructure that provides a number of services to the local community.

Glenorchy was one of the worst-hit towns in the upper catchment during the September floods. Five houses were inundated and a further 16 suffered water damage from flooding on the Wimmera River.

The hall is vital to the community as it serves as an agency for Australia Post, the outreach community nurse monthly visits and other occasional health services. It provides internet access, fax, photocopying, laminating and shelter for students travelling to Stawell for schooling.

The community also uses the facility for private functions including birthday celebrations, family reunions and other community events.

A number of community meetings had been held in Glenorchy since the floods and the community had identified refurbishing the hall as a priority for the town.

"The hall is a valuable asset to Glenorchy and refurbishing it will strengthen the local community and contribute to the town's economic development," Mr Walsh said.

Funding for the $253,300 project will be provided to Northern Grampians Shire Council.