Air conditioning, Wifi and a coolroom what more could you want in a tearoom?
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Well according to the people, who have volunteered in the said tearoom for decades, its new look and facilities are simply wonderful.
On Saturday those volunteers were on hand for the official opening of the tearooms at the Singleton Showground.
With the table set for morning tea Northern Agricultural Association (NAA) committee members were joined by politicians, the mayor and those who had worked on the refurbishment of the tearooms to take a stroll through the building and admire its make-over.
Add new dishwasher and display cabinets to the list of improvements and the tearooms are now ready for business.
This work makes the Singleton Showground better equipped to host major events and support the community in times of natural disaster.
The $487,000 upgrade was jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund and the NSW Resources for Regions program.
The funding enabled one of the most significant renovations since the tearooms were built in 1909, including the refurbishment of the kiosk, preparation room, Presidents Room and installation of new amenities.
A new commercial kitchen with modern cooktops, dishwasher, refrigerated cabinets, pie warmer and upgraded air-conditioning has brought the facility up to modern food handling standards.
NAA president Deb Townsend said the process that led to the refurbishment of the tearooms began in 2020 when the NAA started looking at grant applications.
"We are thankful for the Australian and NSW Government's support, through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund and Resources for Regions," she said.
"This refurbishment will ensure the facility meets modern food handling standards and will greatly improve our volunteer's ability to prepare a large number of meals safely, hygienically and in air-conditioned comfort, whilst maintaining the heritage feel and fit to our grounds."
Ms Townsend thanked local builder Peter Klasen and his staff for their outstanding work in keeping the heritage style of the building and repurposing the old flooring where they could.
"It was a pleasure working with them on this project," she said.
"The 2023 Singleton Show recorded 6,000 people through the gates and the redevelopment will enhance our ability to cater for future large-scale events including community activities, fundraisers, disaster relief and cultural celebrations."
Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi said the upgrades would benefit the community all year around.
"These renos will ensure the Singleton region is better equipped for events like the 2024 Singleton Show and will attract more events to the region.
"Importantly it also means the community will have access to better, commercial-grade facilities if another natural disaster strikes.
"Our Government is pleased to partner with the NSW Government to deliver this upgrade, and will continue to deliver for disaster recovery in the Hunter region."