Lauriston hall upgrades keeping community connected

The Andrews Labor Government has upgraded a 90-year-old hall in Lauriston to transform the much-loved community hub into a more accessible space to be better equipped to host more events.

Minister for Regional Development and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas visited Lauriston Hall today in central Victoria to inspect the completed works, backed by a $50,000 investment through the Labor Government’s Stronger Regional Communities Program.

The building has a long history of community spirit, with two local sisters pooling their money to fund construction of the community hall in the early 1930s.

The upgrade ensures the hall can continue to be an important cultural and social hub for locals and visitors, including space for children’s playgroups, performances, not-for-profit group meetings, exhibitions and private functions for the Lauriston community.

The project included rehabilitation works to retain the hall’s heritage character, while a new kitchen, bathroom and entrance have modernised its internal fit out. Construction works have also made the hall more accessible for people of all abilities.

The hall’s upgrade has enabled the community to come together and connect at events, which is a key part of the town’s recovery from the impacts of the pandemic.

The revitalised space further highlights the importance of community halls and the positive impact they have on social wellbeing.

Local community members joined the Lauriston Hall Committee to collaborate on the development of the project delivered by the Macedon Ranges Shire.

The Lauriston Hall upgrade project is part of the Government’s almost $30 billion investment in rural and regional Victoria since 2015.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development and Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas
"We are revitalising a critical community hall in Lauriston to make it a more accessible space for everyone and to help people to stay connected."

"Our upgrades to Lauriston Hall will help the 90-year-old building continue to be an important hub for our local community, encouraging more people to visit the town which supports jobs and the local economy."