THERE'S nothing like a good injection of government funds to spruce up a community hall and the Cryon Hall near Walgett is the latest to benefit from the NSW Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.

Squatting on the often hot, cold or windy plains beside the Kamilaroi Highway, the Cryon Hall had been calling out for some TLC.

The $93,500 upgrade was announced in February last year and the work has now transformed the building into an airconditioned community hub with a fully-enclosed yard to keep children safe.

The Cryon Hall is one of about 85 buildings protected as one of the Walgett Shire Council's heritage items and the community welcomed the government's assistance to extend it's working life by bringing the hall to a state where it is a far more useable facility.

Cryon's population of around 46, relies on the hall as the venue for community events and also meetings for organisations like the local Rotary Club, Presbyterian Church, Silo Committee, Railway and Roads Committee, and Country Women’s' Association.

“The hall is an essential asset but was in pretty ordinary condition and there were concerns it may not last the distance, so the upgrades have extended its life to ensure it can continue to be used by the community,” Ange McMahon, member of the Cryon Hall Reserve committee said.

The fully-lined, insulated and airconditioned interior of Cryon Hall. PHOTO SUPPLIED.

Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said the upgrade to hall and grounds also supported local tradesmen at a time when the district was dealing with the impacts of COVID and drought.

“Cryon Hall was falling into disrepair but this investment has given it a new lease of life and made it a more comfortable, safer and attractive venue for the community,” Mr Anderson said.

“Upgrades have included a new fence to keep children away from the highway, air conditioning and internal lining to ease temperature extremes in summer and winter, a rainwater tank for drinking water, structural repairs and a fresh paint job.”