Towering over the main street in Trundle, the historic Trundle War Memorial School of Arts Hall is the focal point of the community.
And soon it will feature a hearing loop that will better aid the town's senior citizens and hearing impaired.
A $10,000 Community Building Partnership grant from the NSW Government has made the purchase and installation possible, contributing towards its total price tag of $15,500.
Hall Committee president Andrew Rawsthorne said the upgrade will make a big difference to those who use the hall.
The 99-year-old building is used for committee and council meetings but elderly residents who are interested in attending are struggling to hear the discussions.
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"We are extremely grateful for this funding," Mr Rawsthorne said.
"Council and committee meetings are becoming a real issue, we have community members who've been coming to meetings for 30-40 years and no longer attend because they can’t hear, and they’re embarrassed about it."
The hearing loop involves the speaker talking into a centre unit and the audio is transmitted to headphones or a phone.
The hall is used at least once a month, also opening its doors for school presentations and plays, markets, debutante balls and weddings.
Hall Committee secretary Kim White said it will improve residents' quality of life.
"It's very exciting, they can enjoy it again," she said.
State Member for Orange Phil Donato was in Trundle on January 22 to formally congratulate Mr Rawsthorne, Ms White and the committee on securing the funding.
Mr Donato said the work focuses on connecting the community again.
"Hearing impairment, especially among our elderly, contributes heavily to social isolation," he said.
"I’ve seen the hearing loop in action before in court in my former life and it makes a real difference.
"It's hoped the hearing loop will help to encourage older residents who are hearing impaired to participate in events and meetings hosted at this historic site.
"This is a great initiative and I was pleased to help the project along.
"It's a small price to pay to reengage the community."
