The historic Glengarry Mechanics’ Institute will benefit from some much needed renovations, thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Federal Government.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the grant would be used to renovate the building, including the installation of new flooring.
“The Glengarry Mechanics’ Institute has been a part of this town for more than a century,” Mr Chester said. “It’s important as a place for locals to gather as a community and a venue for a variety of activities.
“The current weatherboard building dates back more than 100 years, so the attention it is given will help to make sure this space continues to be available to locals to use and enjoy for many more years to come.”
The funding has been allocated to the project as part of a Federal Government initiative to help drought-affected communities.
“Throughout Gippsland, we have faced many challenges from drought, bushfires and now the impacts of coronavirus,” Mr Chester said.
“This funding is designed to stimulate the local economy by improving community infrastructure and supporting local jobs.
“This grant will allow the Glengarry Mechanics’ Institute to complete some works, but there are further projects to be tackled and I’ll continue to work with Latrobe City and local volunteers to help secure the additional money needed.”
Glengarry Mechanics’ Institute Committee of Management president Alan McAuliffe said the institute building was in need of maintenance and improvement works.
“This funding will allow us to begin renovating the hall and upgrading the flooring,” Mr McAuliffe said. “There’s more work to be done, including in the kitchen and to the outside of the building, to ensure our hall is safe and useable well into the future.
“As a community, we like to come together at the hall and these upgrades will allow us to use this space more often for different events and gatherings.”
Latrobe City, Wellington Shire and East Gippsland Shire have been allocated funding through the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Program for local infrastructure projects and drought-relief activities.
The program provides short-term support to affected areas by boosting local employment and procurement, while also addressing social and community needs.
