On Thursday, 13 May, I travelled to the small community of Toolong to announce a $110 000 Brumby government grant from the Small Towns Development Fund to upgrade the community hall. This project will refurbish and extend the hall and provide for the renovation of the kitchen area and the installation of the storage area, an access ramp, toilets and a new rainwater tank.
It was fantastic to attend the hall on the day and to see firsthand the importance of its upkeep to the community, with a number of community members and many Moyne shire councillors present at the announcement, showing their commitment to this important asset. The upgraded hall will strengthen several community groups and produce many benefits across the community, from playgroups to emergency response and CFA meetings.
Further, the refurbishment will provide more opportunities for town meetings, community gatherings, dances, birthday and private celebrations, and other important community events and festivities for local farming families and rural lifestyle residents.
Just as important, this investment will reinforce the sense of place and wellbeing of residents and encourage active community involvement in the future. I take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Toolong hall committee member Mary Farley for her dedication and commitment to this small and wonderful community. Mary’s involvement through the original school and the tennis club has spanned over 50 years. It was wonderful to see her presented on the day with a thankyou gift from the community for her years of effort and service to the community.