Benalla's Senior Citizens Centre is due for a $130,000 upgrade thanks to Benalla Rural City Council and Federal Government funding.
Council chief executive officer Dom Testoni announced the funding last week.
It has been earmarked for the upgrade of the interior of the centre, which is on Fawckner Dve.
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The Benalla senior’s centre is a multipurpose facility that houses activities of the Benalla Senior Citizens, the Benalla Bridge Club and U3A Benalla.
A Benalla Senior Citizens Centre spokesperson said the funding would allow for an outdated air conditioning unit to be replaced with a new, environmentally friendly system; upgrades to the centre's switchboard; the removal of the main stage to allow for a new office to be constructed; and kitchen and storage upgrades.
“The new air conditioning unit will be in the same place and use the same duct work,” the spokesperson said.
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“That work is to be completed mid-January 2021 and will cost $70,000.
“The switchboard at the centre is being converted with a back-up generator system, so that if the power goes out, the Benalla Senior’s Centre can be used as a refuge point for Benalla.
“The switchboard at the Benalla Town Hall is being similarly converted with a generator back-up, so it also can be used as a refuge when required.
“Internally there are a series of alterations planned with the stage in the main auditorium to be removed.
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“This will allow for the building of a new office for the Benalla Senior Citizens.
“An area adjacent to this will become storage for the bowling mats used by the Benalla Seniors.
“The Benalla Bridge club is to have slightly increased storage (as a result of this).
“U3A Benalla has been offered the use of the former Benalla seniors’ office as a second meeting room.
“And upgrades to the main kitchen area will see a new dishwasher and the incorporation of the stove from the other small kitchen.
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“It is anticipated that a standalone glass double-fronted refrigerator will allow storage for all groups using the centre.
“These internal upgrades are estimated to cost about $60,000.”
The builder for the project has been selected and expects that the internal work will be completed by Monday, February 8.
U3A Benalla expects to resume classes on Monday, February 15, in its present U3A room.
Due to the building works, registration day for U3A Benalla will be held on Monday, January 16, and Wednesday, January 20, from 9.30 am to 11.30 am in the Benalla Town Hall.
●More information regarding U3A Benalla registration day can be obtained from U3A Benalla president Dorothy Webber on 5762 2116 or 0412 263 071.
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