Recent refurbishments funded by the Australian Government are brightening up facilities at Sunnyside Hall in Tenterfield.
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Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, visited the hall recently to see how grants are helping to breathe new life into the historic building.
"Halls like this are vital to keep country communities connected and Sunnyside Hall is a shining example of the important role they serve in our towns and villages around the New England," Mr Joyce said.
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In February last year Sunnyside Hall Management Committee received $12,500 under the Stronger Communities Programme to upgrade the kitchen facilities including structural additions, new benches and appliances.
In November it was announced the committee would also receive a $36,500 grant through the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal's (FRRR) Tackling Tough Times Together program to replace the hall's roof and guttering. The grant was funded by the Australian Government.
The hall is utilised for both public and private events with proceeds from the venue hire reinvested back into maintenance and further upgrades.
Despite the challenges of recent COVID-19 health restrictions, some events such as the St Joseph's School farewell dinner in December, have been able to proceed with hopes for more to come in 2021. Sadly the Australia Day cricket match had to be cancelled.
Mr Joyce said the Sunnyside Hall is one of many around the New England benefiting from recent Australian Government funding.
"Just like the community hall improvements we're supporting at Ben Lomond, Delungra, Kentucky, Graman, Mingoola, Barraba and Scone, it's all helping to preserve a little piece of history for generations to come."
