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Saturday, February 8, 2025

Coastal community drives evacuation centre upgrade

Upper Orara residents are celebrating a significant upgrade to their community hall which can now be more readily used as an evacuation centre in times of emergency.

Member for Coffs Harbour, Gurmesh Singh today joined with the community to mark the completion of the improvements, which were funded by a $10,980 Regional NSW Community Grant.

Mr Singh said local residents should be extremely proud of what has been achieved.

“The local community has driven this important project from start to finish and I congratulate them on their passion, their persistence and their hard work,” Mr Singh said.

“Upper Orara Hall is now better equipped to serve the community as an evacuation centre in the event of emergencies like fires or floods – all-too familiar events in our region.”

The hall committee has used the funds to replace a water tank and add water filters to drinkable standards; buy six stretcher beds for overnight emergencies; upgrade the ladies bathroom with a new vanity, mirror and re-tiling; install LED lights throughout; paint the toilet areas and meeting room; and repair cupboards.

“They’ve managed to get a lot done in a relatively short amount of time, due in large part to the tireless efforts of many volunteers,” Mr Singh said.

“Upper Orara Hall has always been a focal point for the local community and is now better equipped to look after people in surrounding areas in times of trouble.”

Mr Singh said he was pleased the former NSW Coalition Government had made the grant available for the Upper Orara Hall improvements.

Upper Orara Hall committee member Steve Shields said, “We’re extremely grateful to have received funding for these improvements.

“We have further hall upgrades in mind in the future.”

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