Gavin Butcher, Mario Santoro from Cobram Boral and Sel Corcoran laying the foundation slab for seats at the site of the new Finley Cemetery columbarium.
After a six-year endeavour, the Finley Lions Club is proud to have completed a comprehensive renovation project at the Bob Close Pavilion within the Finley Showgrounds Complex.
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This ambitious undertaking aimed to enhance the facilities and elevate the community experience for various events and gatherings held at the pavilion.
The Lions Club spearheaded this renovation initiative, accessing multiple Stronger Communities Programme grants through Member for Farrer Sussan Ley, which were instrumental in financing crucial upgrades.
These included a total overhaul of the kitchen, replacement of bar area cabinets and flooring, and other essential improvements.
The Finley Lions Club contributed 50 per cent of the total project cost, demonstrating its unwavering commitment to community development.
The renovation project also received substantial support from Lions’ members who collectively dedicated more than 450 hours of labour to bring the vision to completion.
Local businesses played a pivotal role in the project, with cabinetry sourced from Bulmer Cabinets in Deniliquin and floor covering from Finley Flooring Xtra.
Additionally, the generosity of Finley’s Matt Daniel Plumbing and Peter Scott Electrical, who donated their time, significantly contributed to its successful completion.
The spirit of community collaboration extended beyond Finley, with Club Tocumwal contributing 100 replacement chairs, seamlessly integrated into the dining and bar area of the pavilion.
Gary Quirk from Top Security Albury also made a substantial contribution by donating and installing internal and external security cameras and sensors, ensuring the safety and security of the pavilion and surrounds.
The Lion Club's renovation of the Bob Close Pavilion was completed in time for some Christmas celebrations to take place there.
The Bob Close Pavilion regularly caters to a diverse array of events and gatherings for various community groups, including the Finley Show, Sheep Dog Trials, Senior Citizens and Junior Public Speaking events.
Additionally, it is available for hire, offering full access to kitchen and bar facilities, complete with crockery, cutlery and glassware.
With table seating for up to 120 individuals and ample outdoor space on paved areas and lawns, the pavilion provides a versatile and inviting environment for social and business functions alike.
The completion of this renovation project marks a significant milestone for the Finley Lions Club and underscores its enduring commitment to fostering local community development and enhancing shared spaces for all to enjoy.
Not one to rest on their laurels, the Finley Lions Club has been working on other projects simultaneously.
Another at the Finley Cemetery is also coming to fruition.
It has been just over two years since the idea was taken up to construct a new columbarium at the cemetery, to cater for an increasing demand for the interment of loved one’s ashes.
Mario Santoro from Cobram Boral delivered a load of concrete for Cel Corcoran and Gavin Butcher to lay the foundation and set in two seats at the cemetery last week.
The original columbarium at the venue, comprising 50 niches, has almost reached capacity and the new wall with a further 60 resting places will prove beneficial.
Two seats have been installed to allow families the opportunity to sit and contemplate fond memories.
Another great contribution to the local community by this wonderful group of hard-working volunteers.
For more information on hiring the Bob Close Pavilion, including details on hire fees and availability, email Peter at finley.nsw@lions.org.au or phone 0428 826 337.
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