The NSW Nationals in the state government have delivered a number of important upgrades across the regions thanks to the Community Building Partnership program.
NSW Nationals Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke announced several projects in her electorate, and said the upgrades would benefit their local communities.
Cool Future for Ganmain Hall
Ms Cooke announced an $11,330 grant from the Community Building Partnership program to purchase and install four split systems in the main Ganmain Hall and one smaller until in the hall’s supper room.
Ms Cooke said the upgrades would benefit all users of the hall.
“Community halls are an important space for many groups to meet, play, party and gather, and they are truly enjoying a renaissance as function venues,” Ms Cooke said.
“This CBP grant will ensure the Ganmain Hall is fit for the future and can be enjoyed year-round for a range of events, which should lead to a boost in its use.
“The Advance Ganmain Committee is matching this NSW Nationals in the state government funding and I congratulate them for their dedication to this wonderful community asset.”
Chairman of the Advance Ganmain Committee Guy Purcell said the funding would make a huge difference to the Ganmain community.
“These split systems mean we are going to be able to use the hall more often. At the moment we structure our events around the Autumn and the Spring because we haven’t had any climate control. We are going to attract more users of the hall and they will be more comfortable,” Mr Purcell said.
“We are very excited and very pleased the funding has come through, Bernadette Bodel did the hard yards with applying for the grant on behalf of the committee and did a fantastic job.
“We are looking forward to the day when we get the green light and we can go ahead with functions and fundraising so we can continue the upkeep of the hall.”
Grenfell Picnic Race Club Gets Wired
Ms Cooke announced NSW Nationals in the state government funding to help finalise renovations at the Grenfell Picnic Race Club, with $9621 from the Community Building Partnership program to upgrade electrical wiring in the recently renovated kitchen, which was previously supported through a $48,077 grant.
“I have spent a fair bit of time in club kitchens around the electorate and these renovations are incredible, the space has been transformed into a practical kitchen that’s light and airy, and will be a better place for volunteers to spend their time,” Ms Cooke said.
“So much has been achieved here and it’s a pleasure to be able to announce this additional support to get these renovations over the line. Well done to the club, contractors and everyone who has been part of these upgrades.”
Grenfell Picnic Race Club President Daniel Kotel said he was pleased to have received the Community Building Partnership grant.
“We are delighted to have received this funding and we are very grateful. Without the grant money we may not have been able to complete the project to the same standard as we have now,” Mr Kotel said.
“This means we don’t have to go to the community to fundraise and we can comfortably ask people to volunteer in the canteen knowing they will be in a clean and comfortable workspace.”
New Signs for Community Native Nursery
The Weddin Community Native Nursery will soon have new educational signs thanks to the Community Building Partnership program.
Ms Cooke said a grant of $8762 to create environmental, educational signs at the nursery will help people select appropriate native plant species for revegetation projects, and support a great local venture that was giving a helping hand to the environment.
“This nursery does a fantastic job in supplying vital native species for local Landcare projects and it’s great to be able to support them in this way,” Ms Cooke said.
“These signs will help customers make informed decisions about the native species they will plant and the benefits they will bring to different parts of the region.
“The demand for these signs shows just how many people are getting involved in environmental and regeneration projects, which is great news for the community.”
Local Landcare Coordinator Melanie Cooper said the grant was a huge boost to the volunteer-run nursery.
“There will be 10 signs which will divide up the plants in the nursery and make it a lot easier for customers and the volunteer staff at the nursery to select the plants they need,” Ms Cooper said.
“These signs will also include educational information for customers on the uses and benefits of native plant species, e.g talking about the benefits of farm trees, how to attract native birds to my garden, bush tucker, etcetera.
“This funding is very, very welcomed. The nursery is volunteer-run and has a bit of a shoestring budget so any external financial assistance is gratefully received.”
