Blue Mountains News

Since the 2019 bushfires, community residents from the Association of Bell, Clarence, and Dargan (ABCD Inc) have rallied together to advocate and raise funds for a new community hall.

This hall will be a first of its kind for the village. Once complete, it will be the only building in the area large enough to fit a community gathering or event.

Funding for the project has been provided through the Rotary Australia World Community Service and the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program. The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal, Rotary clubs from across the Blue Mountains, Centennial Clarence Colliery, Hanson’s Clarence Quarry, and Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network have also contributed to the project, with the total combined funding being around $706,000.

Lithgow City Council Mayor Maree Statham said, “The new community hall will be an important place for residents to come together and connect as a community.”

“It is essential that the communities of Bell, Clarence and Dargan have a place to meet and plan for their future.”

“The new hall has been a community-driven project. Lithgow Council acknowledges the hard work of the community members including the Association of Bell, Clarence and Dargan, and the support of Rotary, the State Government and others who have turned this community dream into a reality. We look forward to seeing the hall completed.”

The Association of Bell Clarence Dargan is holding a celebration on Saturday 26 August to commemorate the commencement of construction on the Clarence Community Hall.