THE planned $160,000 overhaul of the Mil Lel Memorial Hall is expected to start early in the new year.
Buoyed by a $77,000 federal grant secured earlier this year, the hall refurbishment will build on the facility’s 60 years of service to the rural community.
Works will include showers and toilets with disabled access, increasing site access and bringing the community hall up to modern standards.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin turned the first sod last week as preparation works begin ahead of next month’s planned construction.
Mil Lel Memorial Park secretary Janet Phillips said there had been growing interest from community members who were keen to use the hall once completed.
“I think it will be great especially when it will be disabled friendly,” she said.
“We often have enquiries and phone calls who ask whether the hall is disability friendly and often have to turn them away.”
Mr Pasin said the hall was more than just a building.
“It brings the community together and has done for over 60 years,” Mr Pasin said.
“There is a really strong sense of community in Mil Lel and this building is at its heart.
“I know there has been a committed fundraising effort to upgrade the amenities and I am pleased the Federal Government is helping to support this.”
Mr Pasin said he was looking forward to visiting the site again once work was completed.
Park president Brian Douglas thanked the community for its generosity in getting the building upgrades running.
“The over $15,000 in donations we have received is really what has got us over the line,” Mr Douglas said.
“These renovations will keep the hall up and running.
“We want the building to remain a viable hub for the community to use.”
With Naralilla Homes contracting the site, the hall upgrade is expected to be completed before the end of March.
“We hope these renovations will open the facility up to a wider range of events, people and the broader community.” Mr Douglas said.
“This is one of the few halls remaining in the region and we would like it to continue to be in use.”
