The NSW Nationals in Government are preparing for the post-coronavirus era with three significant grants that will enhance amenities for younger Clarence Valley residents, artists and develop local Indigenous culture, according to local Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis.
“The NSW Nationals in Government are providing Clarence Valley Council around $170,000 for three terrific projects,” Mr Gulaptis said.
“One is the relocation and activation of the successful ‘Out of the Box’ program and involves moving two shipping containers that will be fitted out as youth hubs from Market Square to the existing Grafton skatepark.”
The hub will provide services like breakfast programs, pop-up playgroups and other fun activities.
Mr Gulaptis said the second grant would help the Clarence Valley’s three Aboriginal nations have their language celebrated through public art and signage.
“The Bundjalung, Gumbaynggirr and Yaegl nations will each form a language group, encouraging participation from their communities, and deciding what language representations could be used for public artwork and signage,” Mr Gulaptis said.
A third grant of will promote local Indigenous culture and support Clarence Valley artists with public artworks in the Grafton Bridge precinct, such as welcoming visitors with ‘hello’ in each language and public art to celebrate this historical structure.
Clarence Valley Mayor Jim Simmons said he was delighted to receive funding for the projects.
“These projects will provide connection for the young people of Grafton through a dedicated youth space, opportunities for artists and creatives of the Clarence Valley to create public art and importantly an opportunity for our Aboriginal community to protect and share their languages with the broader public,” Mayor Simmons said.
“Each of these provide opportunity for the whole Clarence Valley community to benefit, enjoy and learn something through the results of these projects.”
