Aldersyde Hall to receive much-needed lift thanks to drought grant

The Aldersyde Agricultural Hall Committee has received an early Christmas present in the form of a $110,000 Tackling Tough Times Together grant from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal.

It was the biggest grant given out by FRRR in its latest round of funding, with 41 projects sharing in nearly $1.5 million.

The organisation grants support a range of community-led projects that are designed to meet the needs of people in drought-affected areas across Australia.

The Aldersyde Agricultural Hall will receive some overdue upgrades to enhance access, reduce volunteer fatigue, and increase opportunities for the community to come together.

There will be upgrades to the kitchen, toilet facilities, water storage, veranda and parking area.

An FRRR spokeswoman said the grant had put a spring in the step of the committee. After learning about the grant, committee members put harvest on hold to celebrate with a glass of champagne.

Aldersyde Agricultural Hall committee president Suzanne Turner said the grant meant a lot to the community. “It will be nice to be able to focus on the community rather than fundraising for a change,” she said. The committee will meet with a local builder to start planning this week.

The hall is set to host the Aldersyde Christmas Tree event on December 20.