Funds breathe life into community hall

West Arnhem Regional Council painter David Makings and WARC builder Josh Oddy at work on renovations to the Jabiru Community Hall.

West Arnhem Regional Council is currently undertaking an extensive upgrade of the Jabiru Community Hall, with work expected to be completed by April 2016.

The renovated facility - which doubles as a community cyclone shelter - will have a new ducted air-conditioning system, new paint to the front entrance, ceilings and walls, new curtains throughout, a new kitchen bench, two-door fridge and freezer, and repairs and maintenance to all vents, fans, lights, locks, toilets, power points, stove, dishwasher and appliances.

WARC Mayor Lothar Siebert said Council was seeking to promote our community as a desirable place for tourists and local community members alike.

“It is hoped the upgrade will help bring the Community Hall back to its previous status as a focal point for meetings, ceremonies, events and performances for our community-based organisations,” Mayor Siebert said.

Plans for upcoming community events include movie nights and a fundraising ball for the Black Dog Ride.

Officially opened in June 1983, the hall has in recent months been the venue for a wide range of community activities including boxing, fitness and yoga classes, the visiting vet, Parks Australia's Bird Week, children's discos, and last year's inaugural Jabiru Bake-Off, which raised $800 for new playground equipment at Lake Jabiru Park.

"We are seeking to promote our community as a desirable place for tourists and locals alike" - Mayor Lothar Siebert

Building supervisor Peter Buchanan told The Wire this month that works are on track.

“Our building crew is currently re-glazing windows, resetting the soffits and ensuring the structure is watertight, re-tiling wet areas in the kitchen, re-lining walls, prepping and painting,” Mr Buchanan said.

Mayor Siebert said WARC had a strong record of delivering on projects in its remote region, having recently completed an upgrade to the Murganella Road.

“We thank Member for Arafura Francis Xavier Kurrupuwu MLA, Minister Peter Styles for their support and the NT Government for its $100,000 contribution to the project through the Community Benefit Fund,” Mayor Siebert said.

Minister Styles said the Community Benefit Fund was continuing to provide support to community groups, organisations, charities and initiatives across the NT. Organisations looking to apply or resubmit applications can do so prior to the closing of Round 3 on Saturday 28 February 2016.

“CBF grants are designed to benefit the community and these will certainly do that,” Mr Styles said.