April 1st, 2024Community members sought for town hall advisory group

The Hepburn Shire Council is inviting community members to apply to join an advisory group to help determine if Daylesford Town Hall can be refurbished to include a community hub with a library and multi-purpose spaces.

The Daylesford Community Facilities Project Advisory Group (PAG) will comprise up to eight members to represent the community, working as a reference group rather than a decision-making body.

Hepburn Shire Mayor, Cr Brian Hood, says the council has successfully utilised PAGs on other projects, including recently on The Mechanics Trentham.

“We are looking for a variety of community members to join the advisory group and to use their local knowledge and connections to support the future of this significant building,” said Cr Hood.

“Ideally the PAG would reflect a diverse range of skills, with applicants invited to outline their connections to the Daylesford and Hepburn communities along with how their skills and expertise would benefit the project.”

An expression of interest is available online via the council’s website with printed copies available from Daylesford Library and the Council Hub on the corner of Duke and Albert streets in Daylesford.

“The Daylesford Town Hall is an exceptionally important and well-loved building. We expect there will be many community members interested in helping with this project. We welcome expressions of interest until the cut-off date of Wednesday 24 April,” said Cr Hood.

The Daylesford Town Hall will be closed for essential electrical and roofing works for at least 18 months from September 2024. The works are necessary to preserve the structural integrity of the building and modernise the ageing electrical system. Priority works to protect the significant heritage building include extensive repairs to the roof, parapets and chimneys, with electrical upgrades to commence once the roof is replaced.