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Community facilities | August 01, 2018

Kealy hosts visit by Leader of The Nationals to Edenhope

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy and Leader of The Nationals, Hon. Peter Walsh visited Edenhope yesterday to see first-hand the urgent need for the Edenhope Community and Cultural Hub project to come to fruition.

Mr Walsh and Ms Kealy met with representatives of the West Wimmera Shire Council, who have identified the project as a priority after a community survey received 88% support for the proposal.

The project involves the redevelopment of the existing Mechanics Hall to accommodate the towns’ public library, a tourism promotion area, Neighbourhood House, meeting spaces and a gathering area with the capacity to seat 250 people.

Ms Kealy said the current hall was in extremely poor condition with the stage area closed due to risk of collapse.

“The Mechanics Hall is almost the exact same building as when I was performing in Edenhope Consolidated School concerts. It has served the community well over the years, but it is very tired and significant works would need to be undertaken to bring it up to standard,” Ms Kealy said.

“Local people have been crying out for years for a civic building that meets the modern needs of the Edenhope and district community, something that all residents can share and that will support the social fabric of this fabulous rural community”.

Mr Walsh said The Nationals believe in backing projects that local communities have identified as priorities.

“City-centric Daniel Andrews has shown time and time again that he is not interested in anything beyond the tram tracks of Melbourne,” Mr Walsh said.

“I am calling on the Andrews Labor Government to immediately provide the funding required to make this important local project a reality for the Edenhope community.”