New Entertainment Area central to community BBQs, bowls and banter
The Nationals’ Federal Member for Riverina and Minister for Small Business joined the Ariah Park Bowling Club and local community members on Good Friday to officially open the new outdoor recreation area.
A contribution of $8,460 from the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Programme helped to ensure the project totalling $29,500 became a reality.
Mr McCormack unveiled the plaque to officially mark the opening of the new community facility at a regional lawn bowls tournament on Good Friday.
Speaking at the opening, Mr McCormack said delivering community facilities like the Ariah Park outdoor recreation area is just as important as building large infrastructure projects.
“These facilities are a meeting place for bowlers and community members and bring people together. They help build and increase community capacity,” Mr McCormack said.
“I want to congratulate the committee and the Ariah Park community who’ve put a lot of effort into this project. I felt like I was on site for most of the construction thanks to the regular photo updates I was receiving!”
Local Temora Shire Councillor, Nigel Judd also commended the local committee and the Federal Government for working together to deliver a project which will benefit the community and ensure it remains a social and sporting hub.
The project to build a new entertainment area involved demolishing the existing outdoor structure located at the Bowling Club and relocating and constructing a functional outdoor recreation area. The new area now includes barbecue and alfresco facilities incorporating lighting, ceiling fans and seating.
The Coalition Government committed $45 million towards two rounds of the Stronger Communities Programme and thousands of projects have been funded across Australia, including 37 in the Riverina and Central West.
The Stronger Communities Programme was replaced this year by the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF). Community groups and organisations wanting more information about BBRF are encouraged to visit: https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/building-better-regions-fund.