Days, nights and weekends of worked culminated in October with the official re-opening of the St. George's Town Hall after it was closed due to damage from Hurricane Fabian in September, 2003.

The ribbon-cutting on October 22 was attended by Governor Sir John Vereker, former Premier and area MP Jennifer Smith and many private St. George's citizens.

Four seniors from St. George's, Earlston Callabras, Norris Paynter, Lily Oatley and Claire Spencer, were given the honours of cutting the ribbon.

Led by Corporation Works Supervisor, Shannon Outerbridge, the inside renovation began full time January 1 this year with his 14 men who still maintained the town in addition to renovating the Town Hall.

Mayor E. Michael Jones said he was very pleased with the progress made, adding that it was a team effort.

"The Town Hall was the largest and most satisfying project to date," said Mr. Outerbridge said. "My biggest challenge was the 'critics' who thought we would never finish.

"What they didn't seem to understand was that I have a staff of 14 workers, who still had to collect garbage, mow grass and do all of the other daily jobs that keep the Town operational.

"We worked days, nights and weekends. The finished product came out just they way I envisioned it from the beginning. Yes, there were many times I wanted to walk away, but the end result was well worthwhile. This is something I can tell my children and grandchildren about ? 'I helped to renovate the Town Hall'."

Nancy Hooper, Corporation Secretary said: "The Town Hall is beautiful! It is a glowing tribute to the dedication and passion of the Corporation's fabulous staff. It was truly a 'Labour of Love'.

"Shannon Outerbridge, our ingenious Works Supervisor, whose innate ability to meet and resolve the many challenges faced in this project, ably supported and assisted by his remarkable team, is to be highly commended. It has been a long and arduous task, a real test of skills and capabilities, but the finished product was well worth it.

"I saw the Town Hall on September 6, 2003 and it was truly a very sad moment, to see our stately lady disrobed of all her prestige and elegance.

"I saw the Town Hall on October 22, 2004 and that lady has been restored and is now more elegant than ever before."

The re-opening of Town Hall was a very respectful and harmonious occasion for all, honouring a landmark which is still used today and as the Mayor said, "Our beautiful Town Hall can stand on its own with any Town Hall, anywhere in the world".

This historical monument was built by the St. George's Corporation under Mayor John Van Norden in 1802.