Almost 83 years after it was constructed, the Kentucky Memorial Hall will soon have a split system air-conditioning system installed, powered off-grid with a new battery for their solar power system.
Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall announced the $22,000 grant and said the Kentucky Memorial Hall Committee had long wanted to air-condition the hall, especially in the winter months, for the comfort and enjoyment of locals and visitors who regularly use the hall.
“This is wonderful news for users of the Kentucky Hall and will ensure everyone is comfortable no matter what time of year or day an event is being held,” Mr Marshall said.
“Currently, the hall committee makes use of portable gas heaters in winter, which aren’t really up to the job of heating such a vast space, are expensive and a fire risk for the hall.
“The funding will allow the committee to purchasing and fit the air-conditioning units and also purchase another battery for its rooftop solar system, which was installed in a previous project, to run the air conditioning off-grid.
“Kentucky is a small community with a huge heart and its hall is the focal point of everything that happens in the district.
“Congratulations to the hall committee on another great project to improve the hall.”
President of the Kentucky Memorial Hall Angus Carter warmly welcomed the grant and said heating the large area had always been a problem with several methods trialled in the past.
“Our community will now be able to congregate in a comfortable environment making the day and night functions more pleasant,” Mr Carter said.
“The heating and cooling system will help on so many different fronts such as education, mental health and community activities including elections, dances, school concerts, playgroups, weddings and family gatherings.
“I’m sure it will entice increased community use and encourage interest in local history, some of which is recorded in the Hall, with displays featuring the early days of orcharding and the names and photos of servicemen and women from the district who served in the war.
“Not only is the Hall used by the local Kentucky community, but Uralla and Armidale groups are also attracted by its facilities and spaciousness.
“We are also doing our bit by relying on solar and becoming energy efficient.”
Top image: Funding secured to air-condition the 83-year-old Kentucky Memorial Hall, with committee members Dan Ward, left, Susan Smith, Fay Smith, Beatrice Bashford, Fay Lulham, Margaret Ward, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Chris Everleigh and Garry Bashford. Children Lily and Avah Chaffey in the front. (supplied)
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