The Cootamundra Ex-Services Club re-opened last week after a million dollar renovation designed primarily to bring the building up to the fire safety code now mandatory but which also served to provide a well-received makeover to the popular venue.
Club secretary manager Greg Bruce said the work has been on the cards for some time with the board understanding they want the safest possible building for patrons and staff.
He said the work completed takes the venue over and above what is required in terms of fire compliance.
With Covid restrictions coming into effect this year and the club already rethinking how it operated, Mr Bruce said the time was right to proceed with the necessary work.
On a cosmetic front, patrons will see new carpet, new joinery around the bar and television screens, new furniture and over the course of the next month and extensive remodel of the deck area near the dining room will be finalised.
"What we have now is a facility for the members and guests which really speaks for itself," Mr Bruce said indicating the fresh look of the premises and the high standard of work.
The renovation was completed in consultation with a number of local businesses including Todd Bryant as the major contractor and sub contractors Jeremy Annetts, Spinifex Welding, Todd Basham, Michael Van Kerk Oerle, Independent Kitchens and DMX Technology.
Covid has turned the entire hospitality on its head.
As well as using the time to complete the work needed for increased fire code compliance, the club has made other changes to ensure it remains viable into the foreseeable future.
They are restricted to 300 people inside the building at any one time with separate smaller restrictions per room such as the Wattle Room and auditorium.
Social distancing is enforced for anyone in the building and cleaning has been ramped up further than the high standard it already was.
While dancing and popular activities such as after parties can not be currently held, the raffles have returned and Cash Bingo has been a success.
Cash Bingo not only brings people into the club, it supports local charities with Can Assist the beneficiary of this month's Cash Bingo night.
A total of 83 people can fit into the auditorium on Cash Bingo night with the next event on September 19th already fully booked.
Names are still being taken for Cash Bingo on October 3 (the long weekend). Call the club if interested in being part of the fun.
