New roof for Umina CWA hall

The Umina CWA Hall is getting a new roof.

CWA branch publicity officer Ms Margaret Key said the new roof could well be the catalyst for a range of improvement projects the branch would like to see take shape at the hall.

Ms Key said the branch's insurance company tired of dealing with multiple claims for repair work, and opted to replace the roof in its entirety.

"It's the original roof from when the hall was built in the early 1950s and it hasn't held up well.

"It's riddled with asbestos too, so we were a bit surprised when the insurance company said they would be doing a full replacement.

"We guess they got sick of all the paperwork," Ms Key said.

Work commenced at the beginning of this month, but a spate of wet weather has caused a delay.

Ms Key said the members were hoping to return to the hall by mid-October, but until then were meeting at Ettalong Diggers.

"We're so excited to get a new roof," she said.

"The old one had issues and we're hoping this will be the start of more improvements to come," Ms Key said.

The branch is planning a new disability toilet and a major overhaul of the hall kitchen including an expansion and a new fit out.

"We're also investigating potential to install solar panels as a bit of a community initiative to raise funds for future works," Ms Key said.

The branch was also interested in having a deck and associated landscaping installed around the hall.

"We're in such a prominent spot in Umina and we've been trying very hard to beautify the hall.

"A deck would just completely change the space and also increase the value of the hall as a community asset," she said.

"We've got big plans for our little old hall and we'd love to hear from any businesses or trades that'd be interested in helping us realise them," Ms Key said.

SOURCE:

Social media, 21 Sep 2019

Interview (Dilon Luke), 26 Sep 2019

Margaret Key, Umina CWA branch