The tiny community of Adjungbilly – 60 kilometres from Gundagai in Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council – has a community hall that can now be used comfortably all year round, thanks to a grant from the Stronger Communities Fund.
Nestled on the north-western edge of the Snowy Mountains, Adjungbilly and its school, the Bongongo Public School might be considered remote by some – but one thing it doesn’t lack is community spirit.
The hall was built by the Bongongo Public School Parents and Citizens (P&C) group in 1988, and has been the hub of community since.
The P&C has managed the hall since its inception and upgrades over time have included a community kitchen, barbeque area and production stage.
A grant obtained through the Stronger Communities Fund, granted by the NSW State Government and administered by Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, has allowed the P&C to further improve the amenities at the hall.
The interior walls and ceiling have been insulated and lined and reverse cycle air conditioning installed.
The $29,637 grant was used for building materials, trades and air conditioning system, with much of the labour carried out by local Adjungbilly residents and members of the Bongongo Public School P&C.
Working bees were held to carry out preparation and cleaning up of the build site.
The hall is well utilised by the district via functions and community events.
The local Rural Fire Service, Adjungbilly Cooperative Wild Dog and Fox management and Landcare groups regularly meet at the hall.
Puggles, the local mobile preschool also uses the hall on a regular basis, but has had to relocate to the library area of the school during inclement weather.
The new upgrade will allow Puggles Pre-Schoolers to set up a permanent home in the hall, providing a comfortable and safe environment for the children.
Project manager and local fire captain Mr Bill Kingwill said, “In the past you could have fried an egg on the back wall during summer, it was that hot, and in winter we froze – the hall can now be used all year.”
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Administrator Stephen Sykes said the upgrade would deliver many social, cultural and economic benefits.
“These improvements also provide the local community with a facility that can be used effectively for future generations in all weathers.
Providing a safe, comfortable and familiar environment for our children is very important.”
