Sunbury Scout Hall could be asbestos-free and more accessible following a Liberal election pledge.
Hawke Liberal candidate Simmone Cottom announced that the Liberals will fund $250,000 of upgrades to the Sunbury Scout Hall if elected, including to its bathroom facilities.
First Sunbury Scout Group leader Tash Child said that while scouting is an inclusive movement, “our current bathroom facilities prevent us from accommodating youth members who use wheelchairs.”
“The narrow doorways and cubicles have, regrettably, forced us to turn away potential members, something we deeply wish to change,” Ms Child said.
She said that beyond scouting, the hall serves as a “valuable community space,” used by visiting Scout groups, church and social organisations, fitness classes, local businesses, and the CFA for training.
“During recent elections, our hall has been a polling place, where long queues formed with limited access to modern amenities,” she said.
“With this grant, we would not only improve our bathrooms but also ensure they are fully accessible, including the addition of a unisex toilet with showering facilities to meet current standards. This project is about more than just an upgrade to make our Scout Hall a truly inclusive and safe space for everyone in our community.”
Ms Cottom said that the Sunbury Scout Hall is an “important local community space that serves as a hub for local young people, families and volunteers,” however, the current bathroom facilities are “outdated and in need of urgent upgrades.”
“The funding will refurbish the Scout Hall bathrooms and make accessibility improvements. This investment will ensure that the hall meets modern safety standards, provides greater comfort for all users, and is fully accessible,” Ms Cottom said.
