The Northern Rivers Conservatorium in Lismore will become accessible to all thanks to the support of the NSW Nationals in the state government with the installation of a lift in the three-storey building.
NSW Nationals Parliamentary Secretary for the Arts Ben Franklin has announced that the much-loved local ‘Con’ will receive $277,000 in funding from the NSW Nationals in the state government to install a lift in the heritage-listed building.
This is on top of the $636,172 granted to the Conservatorium through the Regional Cultural Fund in 2018 to undertake a major renovation of teaching, administration, and public spaces.
Mr Franklin said he was thrilled to announce the lift funding for the Conservatorium which will ensure full accessibility to all three floors including the recital space.
“The Northern Rivers Conservatorium has a long-standing tradition of musical excellence, and it is vital that their facilities continue to offer first-rate education and cultural experiences for the entire community,” Mr Franklin said.
“I have been strongly advocating within the Government to secure this funding and I couldn’t be happier to join the Con’s absolutely outstanding Director Anita Bellman to make today’s announcement.
“As a heritage building, it is beautiful but was not originally designed with modern access facilities in mind so it is fantastic that this funding will be able to ensure the building is easily accessible to all members of the community.”
Northern Rivers Conservatorium executive director Anita Bellman said the announcement of this additional funding is making their dreams come true.
“We are so grateful for this additional support from the NSW Government which will allow us to complete the installation of the lift,” Ms Bellman said.
“The dream of making out heritage building truly accessible will be realised by December this year and we are beyond thrilled.”
