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Glengarry Mechanics Institute gets upgraded hall suitable and accessible re-open with $397,474 federal funding secured by Darren Chester

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester officially opened the Glengarry Mechanics Institute today with Latrobe City Council Mayor Kellie O'Callaghan and Glengarry Mechanics Institute CoM President Alan McAuliffe.

By news@gippsland - 14th June 2022 - Back to News

Mr Chester said the upgraded hall would suit the needs of the community and be an accessible space for all. "The Glengarry Mechanics Institute has been a gathering space for the community for the past 100 years and these works ensure it will remain for another 100 years," Mr Chester said. "Working with Latrobe City Council I secured $397,474 through the Drought Communities Program to ensure these upgrades got underway."

Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester with, Glengarry Mechanics Institute CoM President, Alan McAuliffe and Latrobe City Council Mayor, Cr Kellie O'Callaghan officially opened the Glengarry Mechanics Institute today

Improving the versatility

Mr Chester said, "Works to improve the hall included replacing timber weatherboards and repainting, upgrading the kitchen, replacing the main hall flooring, interior painting, new sound system and soundproofing, toilet upgrade and a ramp installed for improved accessibility. This will improve the versatility of the hall and ensure that all community members can access and use the venue for local events and during emergencies."

Mr Chester said the upgrade was a testament to the dedication of the committee members who had advocated for this project. "Alan and the Committee of Management members are to be commended for their hard work and dedication to ensure this project was funded and upgrades made." Mr Chester continued.

Beneficial to the community

Mr Chester also said,"It is fantastic to see locals passionate about their local facilities and wanting to ensure that it is not only usable but also preserve the local history. The community of Glengarry can now gather to celebrate, socialise and utilise the hall in times of emergency. Programs like the Drought Communities Program ensure locals are listened to and local priorities are funded."

The $580,000 project was also funded by the Latrobe Valley Authority ( $159,660) and the Glengarry Mechanics Hall Committee of Management ($25,000) through Latrobe City Council's small towns minor capital works program. Latrobe City Council administered the project.

Pictures from Darren Chester MP website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com