By Molly Taylor
COMMUNITY support continues to progress the revamp of Allendale East Community Hall.
The privately-owned structure recently had its roof replaced after around $13,000 was fundraised.
The committee, made up of nine dedicated members, have also started gathering funds to paint and treat the building’s exterior.
Stage one is estimated to cost $5000, with over half already raised through various community fundraisers, including a garage sale, cattle scheme and fashion parade.
A cash donation of $1870 was also made by the recently disbanded Port MacDonnell Lions Club.
Hall committee president Richard Ferguson said the aim was to maintain the building’s high standard so it was attractive to the community and potential hire clientele.
“We have the roof on now which cuts out the water problems and we’ll have the exterior walls maintained once painted which will help with the outside of the building,” Mr Ferguson said.
“It’s an ongoing process, something is always going to break, or we find out we need to do something more.
“I think we have definitely gained a lot in the time we have been going for.”
The fundraising process started when the hall was placed on the market to either be sold or demolished in the mid 2000s.
Soon after, community members banded together and purchased the site with donations raised to pay for insurances.
From there, community work and support has helped maintain the building and in 2010 the hall celebrated its centenary.
Mr Ferguson thanked the community for its passion, stating it would not have been possible without the support.
The hall committee has received a $10,000 Stand Like Stone grant to install disabled toilets and a $3795 Grant District Council contribution to replace windows on the building’s northern side.
