The funding will be provided by the NSW Government from round two of its Stronger Country Communities Fund to give the popular community facility a new lease of life. 

Mr Toole said a major refurbishment program for the hall would be undertaken to ensure the many community groups that use it can continue to do so more comfortably. 

Gorrie Ban coordinator Christine Nott said the refurbishment would include new carpet, a new coat of paint and repairs to the ramp out the front of the building. 

“This money will do a lot of good to revamp the place a little,” she said. 

Ms Nott said she would also like to have hot and cold water in the bathroom. 

“We just want to make it more comfortable for our clients,” she said. 

Mr Toole said when you have an ageing community you need to make sure people still felt independent and getting out of their homes. 

“For some people it might be the only social activity they are involved in for the entire week,” he said.  

Mr Toole said the upgrade will boost the spirits of the local community as the Fatima Hall is a much-needed facility for people to gather for interaction, fun and camaraderie as many are separated from family, living alone or have a disability of some kind. 

“I have got to congratulate all the volunteers of Gorrie Ban, they work tirelessly every Monday, they work on behalf of the community so it feels fantastic to give some money towards this group,” he said. 

Ms Nott said the group was thankful for Paul Toole and to everyone involved with the funding. 

“$50,000 we couldn’t raise doing our Bunnings days or Woolworths days which we do during the year,” she said. 

Assistant coordinator for Gorrie Ban Leanne Dakers said working with Gorrie Ban had been an absolute pleasure and privilege. 

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“Its been amazing because my grandmother started coming and a great aunt and uncle and its been an amazing outlet for people of that generation to have somewhere to go to make new friendships and share common interests,” she said. 

“Its been absolutely incredible for me, I feel privileged to take part and to be giving back.” 

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