The Penrose Village Hall, recently opened last month, represents a significant milestone for the Penrose community and its surrounding villages. JN were honoured to attend the the opening ceremony officiated by Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor, Governor-General David Hurley and Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman.
The new facility is a testament to the community’s resilience in the wake of the 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires, which significantly impacted the region.
Project Genesis
The vision for a new community hall in Penrose was born out of the necessity to provide a robust, multifunctional space for the community, particularly after the devastating bushfires. The fires not only caused extensive damage but also underscored the need for a central hub where the community could gather, support one another, and rebuild. The project was initiated with a clear objective: to create a facility that would foster community spirit and serve as a venue for various local events and activities.
The Penrose Village Hall project was funded with $1.697 million from Stage Two of the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund, a collaborative effort between the former Coalition and NSW Governments. Additional financial support was provided by the Wingecarribee Shire Council, Veolia Mulwaree Trust, Penrose Community Association, Highland Garden Society Bowral and a Jo Caseley fundraising concert, showcasing the strong backing on both government and community levels.
Community Importance
The new hall is more than just a building; it symbolises recovery and collective community commitment to the future of Penrose. Featuring state-of-the-art facilities, including a 125-seat auditorium, the hall is designed to host a variety of community events, meetings and activities. It is expected to become the heartbeat of the village, providing a safe and welcoming environment for all residents.
Angus Taylor highlighted the resilience and collaborative spirit of the Penrose community during the opening ceremony. He emphasised how the community’s efforts were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition, turning a tragic event into a catalyst for positive change. The facility not only provides a venue for social gatherings but also supports local services and initiatives aimed at fostering community well-being and resilience.
JN Involvement
JN is proud to have played a significant role in the development of the Penrose Village Hall. We are honoured to have contributed civil engineering services to ensure the project’s success and sustainability. Our contributions included:
- Design and implementation of stormwater drainage systems: We developed advanced stormwater management solutions, including bioretention rain gardens and rainwater tank storage, to ensure effective water management and environmental sustainability.
- Development of driveway access and carpark pavements: Our team designed and implemented durable and functional driveway and carpark solutions, enhancing accessibility and usability of the facility.
The success of the project was a collaborative effort. We extend our gratitude to our partners, including PSA Architects, Greenwich Build, Jeff Freeman and Sibone Nadin, whose expertise were invaluable. Special thanks also go out to JN team members who were involved in its completion:
- Scott McMillan and Cihan Cingoz were instrumental in the project’s success.
- Jake Paul and Shane Beresford provided exceptional drafting work.
- Claudia Novati conducted crucial site inspections to maintain high standards throughout the works.
The Penrose Village Hall stands as a beacon of the community’s resilience and forward-looking spirit. It offers a new space for gatherings, events and support services, poised to become a cornerstone of community life in Penrose. This project underscores the importance of community-driven initiatives and the power of collaboration in overcoming adversity and building a brighter future.
We are honoured to have been part of this transformative project and look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the Penrose community for years to come.
