The restoration of the second longest hotel balcony in Australia was marked last Friday at the 100-year-old iconic Trundle Hotel. The hotel received $100,000 last year to restore its balcony under the Government’s Heritage Near Me Activation Grants Program.
Nationals candidate for Orange Kate Hazelton and Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW, Rick Colless were in Trundle last Friday to mark the completion of restoration work on the balcony.
“Grants such as these go a long way. They support locals and businesses, bring more visitors to the area and boost community morale,” said Rick.
“These grants acknowledge and support the vital role owners and managers of locally listed heritage items play in protecting our local heritage,” said Kate.
The funding went towards restoring the remaining 60 metres of the 90-metre balcony and renovating a derelict unit on the first floor to be used for an artist in residency program.
Peter Kelly, Chair of the Trundle Progress Association, said it all started in 2012. “We held a fundraising ball raising a few thousand dollars. We welcomed the grant with open arms as we really needed it to get this project up and running.”
Community members have also given more than 1,500 hours of their time over six years to help give the town a face lift. So far 75% of the shop fronts have been repainted, every verandah repaired, original signage repainted and other extensive work carried out on the Trundle Hotel, a great initiative for a small community.
“This is a very strong result for a small community of 750 residents,” said Andrew Rawsthorne, Volunteer Grants Officer from Trundle Progress Association. “The hotel now looks a million bucks. We’re over the moon, and I know the whole community is thrilled and grateful.”