Jeffery's role in making new Penrose Hall possible recognised with award

The Penrose local has a background in delivering research for large institutional building projects such as hospitals, and used his skills as the project manager for the hall.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman revealed at the May 3 opening that Dr Freeman was nominated and recognised with a NSW Government Community Service Award.

He was "surprised, excited and grateful", but said the honour would not have been possible without the dedication of others.

"It belongs to so many people," he said.

A new hall has been decades in the making for Penrose.

The first hall, which was built in 1954, has outgrown the village's needs.

Dr Freeman said the desire for a vision dated back to 2017, with the initial plan to extend on the first hall, which was not feasible.

The project manager, who is a part of the Penrose Community Association (PCA), then looked to funding.

The association applied for a grant through the Bushfire Local Economic Recovery Fund after the 2019/2020 bushfires, and also received funding from Wingecarribee Shire Council.

The development application drawings were completed by volunteer Simon Bathgate, and brothers Luke and Jason Hines paid for the early commissions, he said.

A bushfire and water study was also conducted, and the community did all of the external work, such as the gardens and grounds.

He said Greenwich Build also "stood by" the PCA.

"There are so many people, I feel like this should be torn up and shared," he said.

The hall was built in 12 months.

The new premises can seat 125 people, has indoor amenities, a stage that has an accessible lift for wheelchair users, a full kitchen, storage facilities and a green room.