Rappville was devastated by the Black Summer bushfires. More than 50 homes were destroyed, lives were lost, and livelihoods were shattered. It is an incredibly resilient community.
Richmond Valley Council received over $1.4 million in Federal Government grants to assist with bushfire recovery. Council allocated $500,000 of this to rebuild Rappville Community Hall. BizRebuild, a not-for-profit disaster recovery initiative of the Business Council of Australia also contributed an additional $500,000.
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan and Richmond Valley Council Mayor Robert Mustow have announced that work is about to begin on this important community asset.
Mr Hogan said the new facility will provide a central space for the whole community to enjoy.
“The plans include a spacious hall, outdoor deck, with an additional building featuring a communal kitchen and supper room, along with a covered outdoor dining area, and storage and amenities areas,” Mr Hogan said.
“It is fantastic to see work begin on this important project, and great that work is being completed by Richmond Valley-based Bennett Robertson Builders.”
Mayor Robert Mustow said rebuilding the hall had been one of Council’s first priorities in the aftermath of the destructive blaze.
“From day one, the hall was a key focus of our rebuilding efforts, and the consensus was to deliver something more inspiring than simply an updated replica of the original building,” Cr Mustow said.
“As part of the project, the Council purchased Rappville’s St John’s Anglican Church and surrounding land from the Anglican Diocese of Grafton, with the Council to retain the church but use a portion of the surrounding land for the new hall.”
