One of the most rewarding parts of being the State Member for the Electorate of Cessnock is working with community groups and organisations to assist them as they make a difference in the local area.
Late last year I was pleased to announce that 19 local community groups from our Electorate shared in close to $300,000 in funding through the Community Building Partnership Program. This funding will support these groups as they look towards upgrading and constructing community infrastructure that will enhance our local area.
I know this funding will help these community groups make a positive difference across the region. Thanks to the initiative of former Premier, Nathan Rees, communities across NSW have had access to this funding pool for close to a decade. In that time, the Cessnock Electorate has received more than $3 million in funding.
I took the time to visit Michelle at Sugarvalley Neighbourhood Centre to see how their new defibrillator is making a difference in West Wallsend and Holmesville. Thanks to this investment, the staff, visitors and neighbours of the Centre will have access to this life-saving machine. This is just another example of the wonderful benefits the Community Building Partnership creates.
SUCCESSFUL RECIPIENTS:
Bellbird Preschool secured $22,517 to undertake playground repairs.
Branxton Croquet Club secured $6,000 to assist in upgrading their lawns.
Branxton Greta Amateur Swimming Club secured $21,000 to build a shade structure and storage facilities.
Cessnock City Council secured $31,275 to construct a toilet at Bellbird Community Hall.
Cessnock District Hockey Association secured $6,000 to refurbish their canteen facility.
Cessnock Minor Rugby League secured $20,000 to install lighting at Mount View Park.
Cessnock PCYC secured $16,079 to create an outdoor community youth hub.
Edgeworth Senior Soccer Club secured $20,200 to upgrade lighting at Jack McLaughlan Oval.
Greta Rural Fire Brigade secured $10,672 to install new uniform lockers.
Greta Tidy Towns Committee secured $11,500 to construct a new Greta Cemetery entrance.
Hope Valley Christian Church secured $20,000 to contribute to the purchase of a 22 seat bus.
Kurri Golf Club secured $30,000 to replace corrugated iron roofing.
Kurri Kurri Community Services secured $20,000 to upgrade lighting.
Lake Macquarie Sustainable Neighbourhood Alliance secured $15,425 to upgrade the meeting area at Holmesville Community Garden.
Mai-Wel (Richmond Vale) secured $3,606 to build and upgrade picnic tables.
Mum’s Cottage (Holmesville) secured $4,510 to repaint and fit-out their office.
Sugarvalley Neighbourhood Centre (West Wallsend) secured $11,444 to purchase a defibrillator and LED advertising signs.
Towns With Hearts (Kurri Kurri) secured $25,652 to construct a storage shed.
Weston Heritage & Tidy Town Committee secured $3,500 to purchase a new ride-on lawn mower