Grants awarded for stronger New England communities

28 Nov 2018

Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, has announced grants for six local clubs and organisations right across the electorate under the latest funding release from the Australian Government’s highly successful Stronger Communities Programme.

 

The grants are among the first to be awarded under the $22.5 million Round 4 of the Programme, with the Coalition Government funding up to 50 per cent of costs for successful projects from a pool of $150,000 in each electorate.

 

“Kootingal Recreation Reserve Committee has been awarded $17,800 toward the relocation and renovation of the Kootingal Amphitheatre,” Mr Joyce said.

 

“The committee envisages that combined with topdressing of the oval and a new watering system, the reserve will offer a safe, comfortable venue for Kootingal events like Carols by Candlelight, country music concerts and outdoor movies as well as for local clubs and schools.”

 

“Other grants include $12,128 for Barraba Golf Club to refurbish its kitchen, complete with new floor coverings, walls and air-conditioning.

 

“A $10,000 grant is heading the way of Lions Club of Armidale Dumaresq which is partnering with council to build a second picnic shelter with new tables, chairs and barbecue at the arboretum playground – a popular meeting place for family and friends.

 

“Just up the road, Guyra Neighbourhood Centre is receiving $6,448 to upgrade its WiFi network for faster, more secure and reliable communication as well as to purchase two new laptops to replace existing systems which are more than 10 years old.

 

“Scone and Upper Hunter Historical Society has been awarded $3,300 toward construction of a covered outdoor area to preserve and display vintage items of significance to the local community.

 

“Multicultural Tamworth Inc is receiving $3,560 to help buy cooking equipment for a mobile kitchen. This will offer migrants and refugees in our region the opportunity to showcase different culinary dishes to the public at local events such as Fiesta la Peel and Go for Gold Nundle, while helping people assimilate in the local community.

 

“Funding for all these community-led projects works hand-in-glove with our other major infrastructure spending happening right across the New England electorate, whether it be for roads like the $137 million Scone Bypass or the $80 million upgrade at Bolivia Hill, or upgraded water storage at Quipolly, new facilities for local schools, or extra drought assistance –  it’s all helping to build strong, self-sufficient regional communities in our region.”

 

(ENDS)

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