Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen has announced the community will benefit from $150,000 in funding to support Scone Race Club under the NSW Nationals in Government’s Infrastructure Grants program.
Mr Johnsen said the funding will help Scone Race Club extend its function centre, as part of a program that helps communities recover from the impacts of COVID-19.
“The extension of the function centre will provide for many purposes including full disabled access to the entire facility, and increasing the room’s patron capacity by 33 per cent,” Mr Johnsen said.
“This will provide a flexible space suitable for smaller functions, breakout room for conferences or training seminars, and the works will allow for maximised use of existing infrastructure including lift and commercial catering facilities.”
Mr Johnsen said $4 million in grants has been awarded to 32 projects across sport and recreation, arts and culture, disaster readiness and essential community infrastructure.
“Our government is pleased to provide this much-needed support which will stimulate local economic activity and help organisations get back on their feet after facing often devastating impacts of bushfires and COVID-19,” Mr Johnsen said.
“The $12.5 million yearly program is aimed at funding projects to build or upgrade community facilities, and the latest round gave special consideration for projects to repair and rebuild community assets affected by bushfires.
“The projects will help boost participation in sports; encouraging active engagement in local theatres, creative arts and museums; and helping communities recover and prepare for future challenges.”
The Infrastructure Grants program is made possible by Clubgrants Category 3, a fund which re-invests profits from registered clubs’ gaming machines into community projects.
Since 2015, the NSW Nationals in Government have funded more than 350 community projects worth $62 million under the Infrastructure Grants program.
Applications for the next round of funding open from Monday, September 21, 2020.
To find out more information or apply, please visit www.responsiblegambling.nsw.gov.au.