Only a year ago, members of the public packed the Eden Fishermen's Recreation Club in a show of strength for one of the town's most iconic buildings, the Hotel Australasia.
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Stemming from that meeting was a decision by Bega Valley Shire Council in February this year to buy the circa 1904 building from controversial developer Rodney Thompson who had planned to demolish it to make way for a supermarket.
The ambitious project – which in all fairness did have its detractors, with some ratepayers believing it was not the sort of venture on which council should be spending their money – always hinged on a large dose of community goodwill.
Without doubt, community activism helped save the much-loved old pub, and from the show of support at the public meeting it appeared there would be no shortage of tradespeople willing to get their hands dirty in the process.
Unfortunately, those same tradespeople have not been as enthusiastic about filling in the paperwork required by Bega council. When council recently called for expressions of interest from tradies committed to working on the project not one was forthcoming.
It is yet another hiccup in a long list of highs and pitfalls for the old pub. Uncomfortable maybe, but certainly not terminal.
Granted, it's a big ask for qualified tradespeople to work pro bono on any project.
That is especially the case in today's economic climate where international events, such as the United Kingdom's withdrawal from the European Union (commonly referred to as Brexit), as well as those in our own backyards, including the recent storm damage to Eden's chip mill, have taken their toll on confidence.
Restoration of the old hotel offers an amazing opportunity for Eden.
Imagine the facade restored to its former glory, together with a pedestrian walkway from Imlay St to the rear car park, complete with street art. Let's be honest, Eden's existing walk-through arcades are by and large cold, deserted and uninviting.
And it is a matter of public record that tenants, including some government agencies, are looking for suitable premises in Eden.
Opportunities also abound for tradespeople. Rarely do opportunities come about for people to work on and gain experience on a project of this magnitude.
We, as a town, have come too far to let this visionary project slide.
If you’re a tradie, sign up now.