Individual members of the community and community groups, including service organisations and sporting clubs, assisted Council in meeting an anticipated shortfall in funding to complete the new Braidwood Hall and Gymnasium.

The Gymnasium building, located within the grounds of the Braidwood Central School, is now complete and available for use by the school and general community. It was formally "handed over" to the Department of Education and Training on 11 December 2006 and will be officially opened in February next year.

The Mayor, Cr Jim Maclachlan, together with Deputy Mayor, Cr Les Hart and Cr Murray Harrex, paid tribute to the generosity of the local community that provided much-needed additional funding.

"The project would not have proceeded without the enthusiasm and drive of Cr Murray Harrex," said Cr Maclachlan. "It was Murray who convinced Council that the task could be completed within budget at a time when the grant funding from Federal and State Departments was in danger of being withdrawn. We were also very fortunate to have engaged a generous local builder, Stephen Orford of Olyred Pty Ltd, who included many extras at no additional cost," he added.