Towri Aboriginal Children’s Centre has received $100,000 towards an outdoor refurbishment through the NSW Government’s inaugural Community and Place funding program Member for Bathurst Paul Toole MP has announced.
The first round of the landmark Community and Place Grants Program will provide $20.5 million in funding across the State to solutions-focused projects that immediately engage and benefit Aboriginal communities.
The project will see the refurbishment and maintenance of the play area at Towri Aboriginal Children’s Centre, including replacement of boundary fencings, sandpits and sunshades, installation of a soft fall area, paint and restore timber seating and decking and engagement of Aboriginal Contractors to complete the works.
Member for Bathurst Paul Toole said the funding will deliver real benefits to the Bathurst community.
“I’m delighted that Towri can now bring this project to life,” Mr Toole said.
“The current playground is closed due to weather damage and safety risks and this funding will give the kids their much-loved playground back to them.
“Towri has been involved in the Bathurst community for over 30 years and I am please to be supporting a project that will make a real difference to this organisation.”
Centre Director Madison Donnelly said the funding goes beyond monetary value.
“Towri is a not-for-profit inclusive education and childcare centre for children 6 weeks to 6 years,” Ms Donnelly said.
“The children will be ecstatic to learn their playground will be upgraded to include new equipment and a bigger area to run and play.
“We are so grateful to have received this funding that will make a massive impact on the daily lives of the children who attend Towri.”
Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Ben Franklin said the Community and Place funding program is delivering tangible local benefit and impact to Aboriginal communities against Closing the Gap targets, while also recognising that Aboriginal communities have the solutions to issues in their community.
“This is a terrific and unique program that will put important funding in the hands of Aboriginal groups who best know how to bring about improvements and opportunities for their community,” Mr Franklin said.
“The Liberal and Nationals Government knows that by investing in local community initiatives we will significantly increase the likelihood of NSW achieving our targets under the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.”
For more information on the Community and Place grant program visit the Aboriginal Affairs NSW website.