The Minister for Indigenous Affairs, Nigel Scullion, joined the Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton MP, to inspect the site for the future Moree Sports, Health, Arts and Education Academy.
“As part of the Coalition Government’s initiatives to support healthy communities, we are providing $2.1 million under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy to build the new facility and sports ground at the Old Leagues Club,” Minister Scullion said.
“The Government has also committed to work in partnership with the academy to secure ongoing funds from the NSW Government and philanthropic sources.
“This project wouldn't have been possible without the leadership in the community and
the very strong advocacy from Mr Coulton who is ensuring the Coalition
continues to deliver for the residents of the Parkes electorate.”
Mr Coulton said the Moree Sports, Health, Arts and Education Academy project was the culmination of years of work with the community to address the local needs of young Indigenous Australians in Moree.
The academy will work with 100-150 local students in its first 12 months with plans to grow in the coming years.
“This project has been years in the making and I would like to thank local champions of the project, Mr Chris Binge and Mr Mitchell Johnson for their work in making it a reality,” Mr Coulton said.
“By providing a safe space for kids to go to after school, the Moree Sports, Health, Arts and Education Academy will help to improve social and health outcomes for our next generation.”
Minister Scullion said the $2.1 million investment in Moree built on the more than $240 million the Coalition Government was investing in scholarships, mentoring and academy projects under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy.
“This funding is helping more than 20,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people stay engaged, complete their secondary school education and make a successful transition to higher education and the workforce,” Minister Scullion said.
“Providing these kinds of programmes to kids in regional communities is vital for promoting long-term healthy and active lifestyles that will work towards closing the life expectancy gap for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
