Deck the halls: Christmas comes early for CWA’s $1 million makeover
More than 300 halls owned by the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) are in line for a $1 million ‘refurb’ with the Palaszczuk Government picking up the cheque.
A QCWA hall at Wonglepong, near Beaudesert.
Rural Communities Minister Mark Furner met with QCWA members in Roma Wednesday to discuss their local priorities, part of wider talks the government is conducting with the organisation state wide.
At the centre of the dialogue is a two-year program to improve and modify the QCWA’s halls, described by Furner as “vital community infrastructure”.
“Many of these halls date back more than 40 years and many require restoration works including asbestos removal, painting and replacement of gutters and roofs,” Furner said.
“Some of them also need structural modifications to provide equitable access for people with a disability and ensure that the buildings comply with accessibility requirements.”
The funding was committed in this year’s State Budget as the organisation marks its centenary in 2022.
Furner said the funding was specifically for upgrading the halls “because of that close community connection” and that QCWA representatives would submit their priority locations.
“Once an agreement is in place the first instalment of this funding will be paid during the 2022-23 financial year,” he said.
