Dignitaries from around the State converged on the 1st Wingham Scout Group Hall on Saturday December 12.
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The occasion marked the official opening of the newly upgraded hall as well the presentation of some prestigious awards.
It's an historic event that nearly didn't happen.
"It was touch and go if the building needed to be demolished," Group Leader of 1st Wingham Scout Group, Ruth Hoare said.
Time had not been kind to the old hall in Bungay Road - used by the Scouts for more than 90 years -and it was sinking badly.
Earlier this year the group applied for funding through the NSW Government's COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Package in an attempt to save the hall.
Major structural repairs were undertaken to realign and replace the existing piers and the hall also needed new flooring.
Fortunately the work went better than expected and all upgrades to the hall are nearly complete.
The hall is one of 34 Scout halls located on Crown Land across NSW that have recently been upgraded with the economic stimulus package.
What sets Wingham apart was the importance of its very first event since work began.
"In the Scouting world it was massive," said Ruth.
As well as Scouts NSW unveiling the newly upgraded hall, the occasion was used as the venue for a special presentation.
Former President of Scouts NSW, the Right Honourable Ian Sinclair AC, was awarded his National President's Award and formally inducted as a Life Councillor of Scouts NSW.
The Crown Land Commissioner at the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Dr Richard Bush spoke at the event, joined by officials from Scouts NSW including Chief Commissioner Neville Tomkins OAM JP.
The special presentation had previously been unable to take place due to COVID-19.
As well as honouring those of State and national significance, the day saw some proud locals receive awards too.
Billy Callaghan of the 1st Wingham Scout Group received the coveted Queen Scout Award - the highest achievable youth award in Commonwealth Scouting.
Liam Hoare, Leah Clement and Jake Guppy received the peak awards of the Cub Scout Section - Grey Wolf Awards.
After the formalities were complete the hall had to be emptied again so that the building works could be completely finalised.
The hall will be ready for use by the Scouts in January when the group resumes for what is hoped to be a less restricted year.