The community life of Swan Marsh will be revitalised with an upgrade to the township’s hall helped by a $31,500 Victorian Government grant announced today by the Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney.
Painting, improved access and lighting, new heating and cooling systems and fencing are part of an overhaul designed keep the 76-year-old hall the community hub for the district, Ms Tierney said.
“This upgrade will give the ageing hall a new lease of life,” Ms Tierney said.
“The improvements will make the hall suitable for more activities, while making the facilities more comfortable, accessible and safer.”
She said the upgraded hall would strengthen several community groups including the fire brigade/CFA, the primary school, tennis club and old time dance group.
Ms Tierney said the grant for the $42,000 Colac Otway Shire upgrade project is being provided under the community building aims of the Government’s Small Towns Development Fund initiative through Regional Development Victoria.
She said the hall was used for town meetings, community gatherings, dances, birthday parties, engagement parties and other important community events for local farming families and rural lifestyle residents.
“The hall has been an important part of community life and the upgrade will make it even more popular,” Ms Tierney said.
“The community is expecting use to rise significantly after the upgrade.”
Ms Tierney said upgrading the hall had been identified as the township’s top priority after use had tapered off because of inadequate facilities for a modern venue.
“The hall in its current state was discouraging many bookings because of a lack of adequate heating and cooling and poor accessibility and safety, particularly for children,” Ms Tierney said.
Ms Tierney said the project typified initiatives supported by the Brumby Government’s Small Towns Development Fund which were making a big difference to towns in provincial Victoria.
“The Small Towns Development Fund is helping Victoria’s smaller towns create jobs, drive economic growth and improve community infrastructure,” Ms Tierney said.
The fund has provided $39.3 million toward 423 community and social infrastructure projects worth $83.9 million across provincial Victoria, Ms Tierney said.
