Vital community asset upgrade secures funding

Stand Like Stone Foundation helps bankroll City Band Hall overdue roof replacement project

The reincarnation of Mount Gambier’s City Band Hall has continued courtesy of a much needed community grant from the Stand Like Stone Foundation to replace the roof.

Interior refurbishment, technology upgrades and a stunning mural are just some of the other redevelopments that have rejuvenated the once-tired Pick venue facility. Originally constructed in 1965, the hall has now been completely upgraded and renovated inside in recent years however, the roof remained as the original placement.

Last winter created some critical situations as rain breached several areas including the kitchen and music library causing major concerns to those using the facility, resulting in several expensive repairs being undertaken however the management committee was strongly advised the roof urgently needed to be replaced.

With numerous music groups utilising the facility each week it was considered imperative by the management committee that action be taken urgently to remedy the situation before winter rains again arrived to exacerbate the problems.

As is the case with any community group the costs involved were difficult to consider, particularly after the lean years COVID-19 brought upon us all, so an application was made to Stand Like Stone for some assistance to add to the reserve funds the band needed to allocate to the project. The management committee, band members and groups who utilise the facility feel fortunate indeed to have had the support of a group like Stand Like Stone that assist when a need such as this arises.

Tenants can now be assured the building will be secure and remain a serviceable and welcoming environment for decades into the future with the completion of this project.

The management committee now needs to recover financially from this expensive exercise so will be planning to run some activities in the near future to restore some of the funds needed to ensure everyone can function confidently into the future.

As an iconic part of the South East community the band, which has existed since 1895, is working to ensure it is functioning in every respect to serve its wider community well into the distant future.