The Crooble community will soon have a cool place to gather when the days of social distancing are over, thanks to a state government grant to install air-conditioning in the village's War Memorial Hall.
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Crooble War Memorial Hall will receive $52,713 to undergo a series of electrical upgrades to allow it to be used all year round.
Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said electricians will be on site to upgrade electrical wiring and install a reverse-cycle air-conditioner to improve conditions in summer and winter.
The funds will also help address water security by connecting a Davey pump to a nearby bore, providing water to the kitchen.
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"Whether its children's playgroup on a Friday or a monthly social gathering, for more than 60 years Crooble Hall has been an important meeting place for families living in the Golden Triangle," Mr Marshall said.
"In summer the temperature can get up to 50 degrees inside Crooble Hall, which unfortunately makes it uncomfortable for the hosting of events.
"Halls are the heart of most of our small communities and I'm always supportive of them being updated, so they continue to meet the needs of residents.
"Hopefully improvements to Crooble War Memorial Hall mean it can be utilised for many years to come."
Crooble War Memorial Hall president Patrick Eagar said improvements to the hall would support community efforts to encourage young farmers to stay and live in the area.
"At the moment we have a large number of young people who have moved back to work on the family farm and in the agriculture sector," Mr Eagar said.
"As it has for many years, Crooble Hall has become a meeting place for these people to come together, meet their neighbours and be social.
"Hopefully, with the building air conditioned, those gatherings can take place more regularly which would be beneficial for the health and wellbeing of the community.
"If we have enough money the hall committee will also look at replacing the old louvre windows with sliding windows which will also help with climate control inside.
"My wife Wendy's grandfather, along with the community, raised funds for the hall to be built in 1958.
"I think they would all be very proud to see how the building remains a central meeting place for the Crooble community."