The Baradine branch of the Country Women’s Association of New South Wales (NSW) has received over $8,000 towards the renovation of its hall.
Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton enjoyed meeting with members in Baradine yesterday where he presented President of the Baradine CWA, Nea Worrell with a cheque.
Like CWA halls right across rural and regional Australia, Mr Coulton said that the Baradine hall is no exception to being a key location for community events in the town.
“I understand that the CWA hall here in Baradine is a safe, highly valued and well used public venue for workshops, fundraising events, meetings and private functions,” Mr Coulton said.
“It is so important that we preserve this local infrastructure for the sake of local residents and the wider Baradine area.”
The funding announcement is a result of Round 1 of the Coalition Government’s Stronger Communities Programme.
The purpose of the programme is to improve local community participation and cohesion whilst contributing to vibrant and viable communities.
Mr Coulton is a passionate advocate of the Stronger Communities Programme and was overwhelmed by the community response he received for Round 1 from right across the federal electorate of Parkes.
“For a long time I felt there was a need for greater support for incorporated not-for-profit and local government organisations to help build and maintain small infrastructure projects that would benefit our local communities,” Mr Coulton said.
“The fact that my office received over 90 expressions of interests for projects under Round 1of this programme certainly confirms my belief that there is a need and I am extremely pleased to be able to help do something about it.
“Out here in Western NSW, quality infrastructure can really make or break a community. Our local volunteer organisations such as the Baradine CWA branch are pivotal to our community’s identities and this programme certainly goes some way to preserving and growing our local areas.”
