St Leonards residents, businesses and community groups can now enjoy more activities in their community hall, thanks to upgrades by the Allan Labor Government.

Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney today visited the St Leonards Memorial Hall alongside Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant to view finished works which have upgraded the hall and made it suitable for a range of different events and business opportunities.

The Labor Government has invested more than $124,000 through two separate projects to repair the flooring in the almost 100-year-old hall, upgrade the entrance and rear courtyard, and provide an accessible car space.  

Works to the hall were supported with $113,000 from Regional Development Victoria to replace the flooring including sub-floor framing, making it safer for community groups to use while expanding the activities that can take place.

A further $11,416 investment from the Tiny Towns Fund allowed for external works to the hall, including the addition of concrete to the hall entrance and in the rear courtyard and the installation of a shade sail.

These vital works improved accessibility to the hall, including an accessible car park, while the shade sail in the rear courtyard provides much needed cover and expands opportunity for greater use.

The St Leonards Memorial Hall is the only locally available space for community activities, but the condition of the space had limited the number of events and functions that could be held there.

These upgrades mean the hall is now also suitable for new business activities from pilates, yoga and dance classes to market stalls and art shows, while allowing the hall to be hired for events like weddings, parties and community activities such as carpet bowls and school programs for children.

The St Leonards Progress Association has been active since 1911 and built the hall in 1926 as a war memorial, maintaining the hall ever since. This investment will allow the hall to continue playing an important role for the St Leonards community.

Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested a record $45 billion in projects and programs designed to support regional and rural Victorian cities and towns to be even better places to live, work, stay and play. 

For more information go to rdv.vic.gov.au  

Quote attributable to Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant

“These upgrades will ensure St Leonards Memorial Hall remains the heart of our community, providing a safe and accessible space for local groups, businesses, and events for years to come.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney

“Community halls are so often at the heart of our regional towns and cities, and I’m so pleased to see this well-loved and used space continues to be an important part in the fabric of St Leonards.”

“These upgrades will mean the St Leonards community will continue to have a place to gather, celebrate, socialise and learn for years to come.”