Vital upgrades completed at Barra Brui Scout Hall

Much needed upgrades to improve vehicle access, prevent water damage and install erosion controls have been completed at the Barra Brui Scout Hall in St Ives on Sydney’s North Shore thanks to a $170,600 grant from the NSW Government.

Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has funded the work through its Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.

The work will protect the building’s structural integrity, prevent termite attacks, and stop stormwater seeping in and rotting the timber floorboards.

Improved drainage will stop rising damp and mould concerns in the hall, protecting the health of the 2,000 visitors who access the facility each year.

Repairs to the driveway and car park will ensure vehicles and pedestrians have safe access to the Scout Hall. The driveway has been graded, levelled and sealed into a flat bitumen road. Previously, only four-wheel drives could safely navigate the surface. The carpark has also been re-asphalted with increased space and capacity.

The upgrades will also provide safer walking access to nearby Davidson Reserve, and improved amenity from the removal of invasive weeds such as privet and lantana.

The Barra Brui Scout Hall is primarily used as a space for young people under the age of 25 to socialise through Scouting, where they learn valuable life skills and train for numerous adventure activities, including abseiling, canyoning, caving and rock climbing.

The Scout Hall is also used by St Johns Ambulance to provide first aid training, and the facility is often hired out for external events.

Sydney North Region Commissioner (Activities) Wesley Leverton said:

“Scouts is where kids come and really find out what they can and can’t do, to learn about risk assessment, to challenge themselves to do things that a lot of other kids outside of Scouts would never get an opportunity to do.

“Without the support of the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund grant, we would not have been able to complete these vitally important repairs. Scouts involved with this hall are proud of the results and the opportunities this provides for both Scouts and the local community when visiting the site.”

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“Scouts NSW is one of the state’s largest and most successful youth organisations, that fosters valuable life skills while encouraging our kids to get outside and get physically active. I am very pleased Barra Brui Scout Hall has been upgraded so it can continue providing a space for people to gather as a community.

“The NSW Government is focused on building better communities. Our ongoing statewide investments in Crown reserves will help ensure they continue to serve and strengthen their communities for many years to come.”