The name Muttama is derived from a local Aboriginal word meaning "like it" or "take it" and local community members liked and took it when government grants filled their coffers with cash for hall restoration.
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Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joined members of the Muttama community last week to witness the Muttama Memorial Hall Honour Boards being collected by a conservator.
The WWI Honour Board dates back to 1925 when the Hall was built by the tiny community of Muttama.
The honour boards feature names of village residents who fought in WWI and WWII; revealing a treasure trove of history.
One day in WWI three brothers from the Bone family enlisted. All made it home.
The boards also feature members of the Manwaring, Coggan, Sides, Reading and Hanlon families, still in the district today.
The hall was successful in a Liquor and Gaming War Memorial Grant for $14,290 in 2016 to restore the boards to their former glory.
The announcement was coupled with the news the Hall has received a further grant as part of the Stronger Country Communities Round Two grants, with $140,707 for restumping announced.
“I want to see this hall returned as the beating heart of the Muttama community,” Ms Cooke said.
“Our halls in small communities are so central to rural life, we want our kids to celebrate birthdays here, get married here.
“In the case of Muttama, we want this memorial to our service men and women to be a site of commemoration and remembrance.”
This Stronger Country Communities grant takes the NSW State Government investment in the Muttama Memorial Hall to over $195,000.
Hall Committee Vice President Sarah Last said the conservator would also advise the community on how to manage the heritage items moving forward.
“The hall is quite unique because it’s got this amazing Cyprus lining, which makes it significant not just locally but on a state and national level,” Ms Last said.
“Over the past two years we put a stop to events because it needs some work.
“As well as the flooring, this grant will go towards rejuvenating the supper rooms and constructing a functional kitchenette which will make a massive difference in terms of accessibility.”
