The Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, Ron Boswell, today officially opened the Homestead community hall that was upgraded with the assistance of $23,452 in Australian Government funding. Senator Boswell congratulated the Homestead Progress Association on its efforts along with the financial support provided by the Dalrymple Shire and the Gambling Community Benefit Fund to assist with the community hall extension project. “As in many small communities, the main point of focus for the 100 residents of Homestead is the local hall where many functions, meetings and workshops are held,” he said. “This extension project delivers a new and improved hall and a more functional facility for the community of Homestead.” “For fifty years, the Hall has played host to the local school and the P&C Association, Uniting Church, private functions public meetings such as Rural Fire Brigade, Flying Doctor consultations and other visiting medical services, Bingo and Play Groups. “These extensions to the Hall have made it a better place for this small but vital community to meet and to hold functions into the future. “Hopefully, this new-look Hall will lead to increased local participation in community activities.” Senator Boswell acknowledged the role of the North Queensland Area Consultative Committee (NQACC) in getting the project off the ground.  Senator Boswell said Regional Partnerships continues the government’s approach of working with local communities to support local ideas. Ends More details – Leah Nicoll 0428 450 942