Owner and manager of Newnes Hotel for the past 16 years Thomas Ebersoll said he wished he could preserve the rustic roof however a full replacement was needed.

“The roof sheets are 111 years old this year, it’s gotten so rusty that when you walk on them, even walking on the batons you cause more damage than you can patch up,” Mr Ebersoll said.

“We have to repair this roof because the leaks damage more of the historic structure and we just need to make sure it is waterproof and we can preserve the hotel that way.”

The roof also requires a large amount of structural work to replace a few rotting rafters and supports.

“The structure needs to be repaired and then the roof sheets, they can be easily replaced. The structure is the main job at the moment.”

Mr Ebersoll has been quoted $35,000 for all the work required and had raised around $5000 through a donation box in the hotel.

However with the help of his daughter he has taken to the internet to give the fundraising efforts a boost.

The Newnes Hotel gofundme page was set up on Wednesday, July 12 and is hoping to raise the remaining $30,000 needed.

Mr Ebersoll said he hopes to have the roof repaired completely in March and April next year.

“If anyone could contribute that would be much appreciated.”

The Newnes Hotel gofundme page can be found here.