The old Tuross Head Progress Association Hall will be demolished, probably next week.

It follows extensive community consultation about the future of the hall, which would require extensive renovations to meet current standards, including accessibility improvements, and disabled parking.

Eurobodalla councillor Danielle Brice, who is the current chairwoman of the Tuross Progress Hall Sunset Committee, said that after extensive community consultation and looking at all options, it was decided to sell the land and to invest the proceeds into much needed projects within Tuross Head.

“Eurobodalla Shire Council agreed that all of the proceeds, after costs, would be used for projects in the Tuross area and that these projects would be determined in consultation with the Tuross community,” she said.

Of the future sale of the land, $200,000 is already allocated to the refurbishment of Kyla Hall, and the Sunset Committee will consult with the community about which local projects should be funded from the net proceeds.

The consultation will start later this year and will include a letter to all residents and landowners in the Tuross Head and Turlinjah townships. 

The refurbished Kyla Hall reopened in November last year with a new flexible layout developed by the Sunset Committee to provide a variety of new spaces for community use.

In total, $375,000 was spent on the improvements which included a new kitchen, meeting rooms, disability access and a refurbished hall, making the venue suitable for a wide range of purposes, from exercise classes and meetings to more formal private and business functions.

Sunset Committee member Maureen Baker has owned a home in Tuross Head for more than 40 years, and is sad to see the valuable piece of the township’s history removed.

She said she did, however, look forward to new beginnings in the new hall. 

“While we realise that the hall needs to go, it is very sad to see it go,” Mrs Baker said. 

“I have been going to the hall since I’ve had a home in Tuross for Progress Association meetings, Garden Club meetings and various social occasions. 

“That was home, like an old pair of shoes - it was comfortable.”

Mrs Baker said she was pleased the money from the sale would be reinvested  back into the Tuross community and that it was very important for the small township. 

“I think all Tuross residents will be sad that it’s happening,” she said. 

“However, the hall has limited parking and it would be very costly to refurbish the existing building. 

“I hope that everyone supports the new hall and a new beginning.” 

Cr Brice says to preserve the history of the old Tuross Head Progress Hall and its significance to the community, Eurobodalla Shire Council is developing an archive of photos and information for residents. 

“There will also be interpretive signage about the hall placed near the park at Sandy Point, off Trafalgar Road,” she said.