Client Sector
Edwards Constructions rebuilt the Kiah and Wandella Community Halls after they were completely destroyed in the devastating 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires that ravaged NSW’s Bega Valley. These essential rural hubs—Wandella originally built in 1909—were reconstructed with modern, resilient facilities including versatile event spaces, upgraded kitchens, accessible amenities, and expanded parking. The project restored vital community infrastructure for local gatherings, weddings, meetings, and support programs in these tight-knit Sapphire Coast towns.
Kiah and Wandella
Bega Valley Shire Council
2024
$3.2m
Facility Design Group
Post-fire sites required full demolition of fire-ravaged remnants amid BAL-40 bushfire-prone zoning, demanding ember-proof materials and elevated construction standards. Remote locations complicated logistics and supply chains, while $1.8M government grants enforced strict timelines and community consultation. Balancing heritage elements (like Wandella’s feature chimney wall) with contemporary needs—solar power, acoustic ceilings, all-abilities access—tested engineering precision during regional recovery pressures.
AWARDS
2024 Master Builders Association (MBA) of NSW Southern Regions Award for Commercial Projects $1 million – $6 million
