A much needed facility to provide respite for adults and children with disabilities in the township of Trangie is set to become a reality following the announcement of infrastructure projects to be funded under the first round of the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund.
Minister for Regional Development Fiona Nash and the Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said Trangie Community Connection Incorporated would receive $176,000 to help develop a respite centre which will drive both economic activity and social improvement in the township.
“After a competitive merit-based selection process, Australian Government funding has approved four projects in the electorate of Parkes under the BBRF’s Infrastructure Projects Stream which will receive funding up to a maximum of 50 per cent of the total project cost” Minister Nash said.
“This includes funding to the very worthy Trangie Community Connection Inc.” she said.
“I aim to help build the kinds of regional communities our children and grandchildren either want to stay in or come back to. Today’s announcement provides just the sort of boost the electorate of Parkes needs to achieve that goal” Minister Nash said.
Mr Coulton said the respite centre will provide a vital service to families in Trangie and surrounding districts which currently do not have reasonable or reliable access to such a service.
“Currently families in need of respite have to travel to Dubbo to access such facilities and this has forced some to leave Trangie to be closer to adequate services” Mr Coulton added.
“The respite centre will complement an existing day facility for people with disabilities by making accommodation available for those who have to travel long distances, and prevent forced relocation of families seeking disability services for their dependents” Mr Coulton said.
“The BBRF funding for the centre will decrease the need for families to move to bigger centres, ensuring the town’s population remains stable and consumer spending continues to stay in the region” he said.
“Trangie Community Connection Inc. has worked tirelessly to make this project succeed and fund-raising efforts in the township has brought together community members from the area’s sporting and service clubs, schools, and local businesses to show its support for the establishment of a respite centre.
“A building has been purchased and once established the centre will provide further employment and training in Trangie and as well as support to the already established day programme.
Spokesperson for Trangie Community Connection Inc. Ms Christine Welch said the centre will enhance the culture of inclusion and increase volunteering in the community as well as provide opportunities for students through work experience and post school employment.
Mr Coulton said the BBRF will invest almost $500 million to fund key community projects in regional and remote communities nominated by local communities, which means regions are investing in their own future.
More information about the Building Better Regions Fund is available at: www.business.gov.au.bbrf