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Wellington delighted with grant to upgrade Stratford Mechanics HallWellington Shire Council is delighted with the State Government’s announcement of a Small Towns Development Fund grant of $129,500 to help with a major refurbishment of the historic Stratford Mechanics Hall. By Wellington Shire Council - 19th December 2003 - Back to News Wellington Shire Council is delighted with the State Government’s announcement of a Small Towns Development Fund grant of $129,500 to help with a major refurbishment of the historic Stratford Mechanics Hall.
The Hon John Brumby MP, Treasurer of Victoria and Minister for State and Regional Development, announced the funding today while on a fact-finding visit to the Shire, and it follows successful campaigning by the Council on the local community’s behalf.
This final funding component for the $259,000 refurbishment initiative adds to $75,000 support from Wellington Shire Council and $50,000 raised by the local community itself – which has pulled together magnificently.
It means the community can now press ahead with the very necessary work on the hall, which is an indispensable facility for Stratford and the surrounding district – both as the meeting place for numerous community groups and as the major venue for the annual Shakespeare Festival.
Work to be carried out, to provide the facility with a new lease of life, includes demolishing sub-standard amenities constructed in the 1950s and providing a new foyer and forecourt with disabled access, a much improved servery and supper area and redecoration of the inside and outside of the building. Central to the project will be maintaining the original historic design.
Said Wellington’s Mayor John Jago: "We are delighted with the Minister’s funding announcement which is great news for the community of Stratford who have demonstrated such terrific commitment and dedication in driving this refurbishment project forward."
"It’s a fine example of how a community can pull together and work towards a common goal."
During his fact-finding visit to Wellington Mr Brumby also officially opened the new $5.9 million Esso BHP Billiton Wellington Entertainment Centre in Sale and took the opportunity to view the Sale Memorial Hall.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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