Ashford and Inverell share $70,000 state stimulus grant
Thursday 17th December 2009
Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay announces the showground funding of $20K (to upgrade the power supply in partnership with Country Energy and Inverell Shire Council) with Cr Mick Lewis.
Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay welcomed the announcement of $417,000 for 13 projects in the electorate which with support funding from local councils and organisations will equate to a total of $1.2 million in infrastructure upgrades.
“It’s great to get the green light on these important projects,” he said. “They will bring significant advantages to the community as well as stimulating work and local business.”
The Ashford Showground Trust has been allocated $20,000 towards a $60,000 upgrade of the ring enclosure to remove the existing old timber arena and replace it with new steel paneling and posts provided by local business houses. Volunteers and members and community will undertake project.
The project which has the support of Inverell Council will also improve the power supply to all venues and upgrade the kitchen, ablution block and lighting. The Showground is central for horse and sporting events including campdrafts, pony club, cricket and football. It also hosts field days and trade shows and is an important venue for fundraising by the CWA, P&C sporting organizations and church groups.
Receiving a $50,000 grant was a fantastic outcome for NECOM in Inverell said Director Julie Croft. “It will enable the steady expansion of this important arm of NECOM in line with its comprehensive three year Business Plan” she said.
The Conservatorium in Inverell is currently utilized for fifty hours a week and has a diverse array of activities including Mini Minstrels classes (Early Childhood Music Program), community music classes for children with disabilities and master classes and workshops with renowned professional musicians and music educators.
Over the past year workshops have been conducted for flute, brass, clarinet and woodwinds, piano, jazz improvisation and Kodally for early childhood music specialists. Music tuition from Music Educator Members is held at the Conservatorium in flute, piano and singing as well as speech and drama classes.
The grant will facilitate growth not only in all of these areas but also in a range of activities and programs to further meet the diverse musical needs and aspirations of the Inverell community, Ms Croft said. The Inverell campus will be able to support 268 students and 1,250 program participants within three years. Hours of services per annum will increase from 2,968 in 2009/2010 to 8,128 in 2011/2012.