Restoration works to the Old Tasmanian Hotel in Fingal has delivered a vibrant new space for the Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House to conduct its important work within the Fingal community.

Liberal Senator for Tasmania, Claire Chandler, said the project had transformed the former hotel site into a functional space for the Neighbourhood House.

“The Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House provides great services and support to the Fingal and surrounding communities, and this project has delivered a fantastic multi-use space for locals,” Senator Chandler said.

“Restoration works on the two-storey, heritage listed building posed a challenging task, and everyone involved should be proud of the finished project.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government’s $500,000 investment in community infrastructure would provide long term benefits to the Fingal Valley region.

“In addition to the meeting room, office spaces, waiting room and two bedrooms, this investment also saw the restoration of a history display,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“This upgrade will allow the Fingal Valley Neighbourhood House History group to provide a display showing the history of the local area and surrounding townships, which will prove to be a real boon for the local community.”

Mayor of Break O’Day Mick Tucker said the upgraded facility was already having a positive effect on the Fingal community.

“The Break O’Day Council is proud to have supported this important community project, which will continue to deliver important services in Fingal and surrounding areas for many years to come,” Mayor Mick Tucker said.

“The Old Tasmanian Hotel in Fingal has a rich history and it seems fitting that this building is now a community space that the whole community can enjoy once again.”

Restoration works included the creation of a meeting room, office spaces, family room, the restoration of the building veranda, and the installation of a bathroom with accessible toilet and shower.

The project received $500,000 in funding from the Australian Government under the Community Development Grants Programme, $210,000 from the Australian Government’s Drought Community Program with the remaining $134,934 provided by the Break O’Day Council.