The Hobsons Bay Community Arts Centre Inc. embarked on its restoration program in March 2001 with a "Work for the Dole" program in partnership with Victoria University and supported by the Federal Government. This program ran for nine months on a part-time basis.
During that time the site was cleaned and fall protection was installed around the building. In early 2002 the association was successful in securing funding from the State Government to conduct a Community Jobs Program.
Hobsons Bay City Council also provided financial and administrative support. The grant allowed the association to employ twenty workers on a full time basis for sixteen weeks and was conducted from May-September 2002.
Many restoration tasks were completed during this time. Power, water and plumbing were reconnected and installed throughout the building. The roof surface was cleaned and restored and included the application of a waterproof membrane. Downpipes were cleaned of debris and restored to working order. Glass was removed from all windows, the steel frames removed, repaired, repainted and reinstalled. New glass was installed to all window frames and mesh screens fabricated and installed to protect the new glazing. All graffiti was removed from the external brick and rendered surfaces.
The works program was a huge undertaking for a community organisation and was managed and supervised solely by volunteer staff. The outcomes achieved for both the participants and the completion of restoration activities were substantial.
In January 2003 the second stage of the Community Jobs Program began begin with another twenty people being employed by the association. This program completed various construction tasks including the fit-out of toilet facilities, the installation of new floors to cover voids, the fabrication and installation of new stairs and the conversion of many spaces to allow for the future use as a community arts centre. |
