BOOST: Happy Valley Hall Committee president Micheal Freudenstein celebrates plans for a $227,800 upgrade to the hall.
$227k for hall upgrade
Written by ALEX BAIRD.
HAPPY Valley Hall in Rosewhite is set to receive $227,800 for upgrades to the building, which has been the hub of the tight knit community for generations.
Happy Valley Hall Committee president Micheal Freudenstein said the community would decide how the funding from the Victorian Bushfire Reconstruction and Recovery Authority will be spent.
"The community put together a master plan of what they thought would be beneficial for the hall - and we will adjust the master plan to suit the amount of money," he said.
Mr Freudenstein said several key projects had already been identified and would be finalised shortly after community discussion.
"In order to fulfil the role of a ‘meeting place’, it is critical minimum levels of safety are met," he said.
"These minimum requirements are seen as a well resourced UHF communication network, a large water storage facility, an upgraded site access and a back up electrical system inclusive of diesel generator and battery pack.
"The master plan has been developed after consultation with the Happy Valley community and the upgrading of the hall will have the dual effect of providing a safe place for residents in the event of threat, as well as enhancing and extending the current use of this highly valued community facility."
Mr Freudenstein said funding would be a "huge benefit" for residents of the small townships in the Happy Valley area.
"It will improve what is already a great asset - there are various groups in the valley who use the hall and the funding will improve it immensely," he said.
"It is a focal point of community activity which will only be enhanced with the additional facilities outlined in this plan.
"Groups such as Landcare, CFA, craft groups, sporting groups, CWA, hall committees and music groups will all benefit from this upgrading proposal.
"Happy Valley Hall forms an integral part of community within the valley - it is utilised by the community in general for celebrations such as weddings, birthdays, christenings, family reunions and festival events."
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