Members of Bega’s community have been hard at work renovating the town’s Girl Guides hall. Photo: Supplied.
Knowing the importance of Girl Guides to the community, Bega locals have again demonstrated that amazing small-town spirit by coming together to renovate the group’s ageing hall.
“Guides are always trying to help the community,” Bega Girl Guides leader and NSW, ACT and NT district manager Anne Moore said.
“By having the community help us, it’s created a stronger bond between the two groups.”
She said the hall on McKee Drive in Bega had never been painted since it was delivered to the town in the 1970s.
The building was once part of the Snowy Scheme. As it used to have a stage with tin underneath instead of flooring, Ms Moore speculated that it was an entertainment hall for the Scheme rather than housing.
Aside from never having a fresh lick of paint, the hall has also never had new carpet.
About a month ago, parents held working bees to prepare the hall for repainting. Inspirations Paint Bega’s John Watkin donated paint and staff, who were joined by other local painters and community members. They all pitched in to finish the paint job.
Next up, a Bushfire Recovery Grant will be used to install new carpet in the hall. A grant will also help update the kitchen and replace its windows at the end of June.
“So hopefully come July, people won’t recognise the hall,” Ms Moore said.
Renovation at the Bega Girl Guide’s hall is expected to finish by July. Photo: Supplied.
She said she had had people asking if the Girl Guides still exist. They certainly do – numbers have in fact increased over the past few years and are going strong.
There are now 30 families in the Bega group and almost 30 girls.
Ms Moore said the Guides provided its members with leadership skills, friendships, the chance to learn new skills such as sewing and experiences such as camping.
She said once the renovations are completed, the group will have a celebration and invite the community to come and see all the work that has been done.
She also hoped other groups in the community would consider utilising the hall.
“I’m sure it’s going to be fantastic,” she said.
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