Community
4 July, 2024
Big plans underway for Civic committee
MEMBERS of the Terang Civic Hall Committee have had a busy year with ongoing restoration and upkeep projects, including the refurbishment of the gazebo overlooking the Terang Dry Lake.
Committee chairman Barry Whickham said works over the year had included the repainting of the Rose Room, kitchen, the walkway to the kitchenette and the kitchenette.
“The gazebo at the rear of the hall has been restored and repainted, with $3000 towards the cost of this project ($8600 total) gratefully accepted from the Rotary Club,” he said.
“New floor coverings have been installed in 129A (Western District Physiotherapy).
“A new cupboard has been fitted in the kitchen to facilitate the storage and access of the cutlery.
“Ongoing works include a new cupboard in the storeroom off the main hall to store cleaning materials, and new cupboards on the north wall of the kitchen and new floor coverings in the kitchen are also in the pipeline.”
A big forthcoming change will be the reflooring of the hall, which received funding in Corangamite Shire’s 2024-2025 budget as part of the shire’s $1.09 million buildings fund in the capital works program.
Mr Wickham said the news was welcome as the floors had been an area of concern for some time.
“The floor of the main hall is of some concern as it is too thin to receive another sanding,” he said.
While the year had no shortage of success for the committee, Mr Wickham said members had been saddened by the passing of long-term member Jim Primrose.
“In his role as secretary and caretaker, Jim was a great and valuable member of our committee over many years,” he said.
“Jim’s grandson Rhys has taken over the role of cleaner and caretaker, and is doing a great job.
“Well done to Rhys.”
The committee also welcomed three new members this year; Melissa Irving, Kate Johnson and Mary Bell.
“The three members were a great addition to our committee,” Mr Wickham said.
The current committee consists of the following: Mr Wickham as chairman, Bob McIntosh as treasurer and, Wendy Driscoll as booking agent and minute secretary.
Wayne Reisha, Geoff Elford, Rob Cornellison, Paul Blain, Marg Wickham, Melissa Irving, Kate Johnson and Mary Bell round out the membership.
Mr Wickham said the committee formed 34 years ago as the Rotary Club of Terang sought to establish a group which could manage and maintain the Terang Civic Hall.
“Contrary to the belief of most people, the Rotary Club do not get a dollar for this service,” Mr Wickham said.
“All proceeds from the hiring of the hall are retained in the Terang Civic Hall management account under the umbrella of the Corangamite Shire, which sets the fees and continues to work with the committee to maintain this great facility in our town.
“The committee have one objective and that is to repair, improve and maintain this grand old building so it remains a very valuable asset for the community in the future.
“My thanks go to all committee members for their valuable input during the year - also special thanks to Wendy Williamson and Jarrod Woff of the Corangamite Shire for their continued support.”