Brushes ready, patience tested: art society rallies with Old Court House repairs under way

President Terri MacDonald is relieved to see that 10 months later, repairs to the building are finally under way.

“We are hoping to be in by September or October … before the end of the year,” she said.

“It’s a huge job. Hopefully they aren’t finding too many problems underneath the floorboards and behind the walls.”

Underneath the floorboards is bluestone, reflective of the building’s age. Dr MacDonald had been told that the floor cavity had been filled with so much mud and debris that it was actually touching the floorboards at some parts.

The building was difficult to dry out, a process exacerbated by a wet summer. The roofing has also needed repairs for the past few years and will be included in the works.

The wait for repairs has not been smooth sailing. The society has not been provided with an alternative premises by council in the meantime, despite being asked to still pay rent for the flood-damaged premises.

“It’s low rent, but for us as a community group, it’s a lot of money,” Dr MacDonald said.

The group has limited revenue, with most of it coming from art shows, sales and workshops, which are difficult to conduct without a building.

“We would have liked more communication … but we are appreciative of the fact it’s happening now,” Dr MacDonald said.

“With this building out of commission we have taken a real hit and unfortunately it just follows on from the two years of COVID closures.”

It has been a tough time for the art society. With the building closed, members are missing an important creative outlet and means of connection.

The society has tried to make do, coming to arrangements with other community groups.

“Thanks to Goulburn Options, we have been able to run workshops in their space and we have been able to use the community house for meeting, which is really helpful,” Dr MacDonald said.

The Lions Club of Seymour Goulburn has provided some funding to replace a gazebo that was lost in the floods. The art society was also recently successful in a grant application for new portable lighting to show artworks.

Mitchell Shire Council chief executive Brett Luxford confirmed works were under way for the replacement of the timber floor throughout large parts of the Old Court House building.

The works began in June and are expected to be completed by September.

“Council notes the concerns raised by the Seymour and District Art Society and will be reaching out to group representatives shortly to discuss their concerns,” Mr Luxford said.

“Additional meeting space for all community groups is available at the Recovery Hub in Guild St.”

Despite the challenges, the group has not given up hope. There are plans for an open day when the building is repaired, and there is a call out for new members.

“We have members from 11 years old to almost 90 and we don’t care if you are an accomplished professional or just dabble, it’s about the process,” Dr MacDonald said.

“We are hopeful things will go well.”