War Memorial Hall renovations near completion (18/9/24)

A major renovation of the Longford War Memorial Hall has been unveiled to the public after 18 months of development. Video by Aaron Smith (18/9/24)

Transcript

00:00This is a day of celebration, not just for this building but for the entire community.

00:06This hall has hosted countless gatherings, weddings, festivals and events and moments

00:11that have brought us together. However, as our town has grown and evolved, so too have

00:17the needs of our community. Today we mark a new chapter in the life of this building,

00:23one that promises to serve our current generation and many more to come.

00:27The upgraded project we commemorate today is more than just a renovation,

00:32it's a revitalisation of community spirit. The improvements, including the barbecue,

00:37the village green facilities and upgraded amenities, provide a higher quality experience

00:42for families, friends and visitors. We now have a space that encourages gatherings,

00:49celebrations and social connections, an inviting place for everyone to enjoy.

00:55This is an iconic space that holds so much history and significance for this community.

01:00It's valued by the community because of its historical significance and because of the

01:06role that it's played in the life of the town for decades as a shared public space

01:11and a place for social connection. Through the Community Development Grant Program and the Local

01:16Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, the Australian Government provided just over

01:22four million dollars of project funding. With the completion of this stage of the project,

01:28we've delivered a key part of the vision, including the renovated public toilets and

01:32new public facilities, a new barbecue area along the village green with two barbecues,

01:38tables and seating and the revitalisation of this magnificent hall. The renovation of this

01:44hall was part of developing a community-centred space on the village green, which included

01:50upgrades of IT, communicators, electrics, lighting and heating, which is so important

01:55for modern day conferences and gatherings. We have additional toilets, new meeting rooms,

02:00a kitchen and bar, reception area and a pavilion with the exhibition space and new veranda.

02:06And I know that the various motoring clubs in the area will certainly welcome the exhibition space.