A new protected barbecue area will soon be built at Johnsonville Public Hall.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has announced the Johnsonville Public Hall Committee would receive $5000 from the #lovegippsland Stronger Communities Program to help build the barbecue area.
“The hall is a hub for community activities in Johnsonville and hosts regular events, including the dance made famous by Slim Dusty,” Mr Chester said.
“The new barbecue area will provide more space for groups to use both the indoor and outdoor spaces. “It will also help entice passing motorists on the Princes Highway to take part in community events such as the local market.”
Johnsonville Public Hall Committee President Georgie Hilder said the barbecue area would bebuilt next to the hall’s supper room.
“There will be fixed seating, shade sails and a child-safe fence. The hall doesn’t have a stove, so the barbecue is a useful addition and may change how the hall is used,” Ms Hilder said.
“Now the funding has been confirmed, we are hoping to start work as soon as possible. The work should be completed in three months.”
Committee member Dottie Walker said the hall had recently undergone other improvements.
“We’ve just finished repainting the outside of the hall in heritage colours and have installed new lights inside,” Mrs Walker said.
“Once the new barbecue area is finished, the committee is hoping the Johnsonville community will use the hall more often.”
