A grant of $10,125 through the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Programme will ensure the Broken Hill Resource and Toy Library will now be able to install updated air-conditioning and solar panels.
The Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, accompanied by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Member for Casey, the Hon Tony Smith visited the Library yesterday to make the presentation.
Mr Coulton said funding will help replace the current heating and cooling system, which is inadequate for the Library's needs.
He said the new system promises to be more energy efficient with the installation of solar panels.
“The Toy Library offers a valuable service for all families, in particular supporting indigenous and low income families,” Mr Coulton said.
“It provides an affordable, safe and stress free environment in a playgroup situation where families can come and enjoy time with their children whilst socialising with other parents and making new friends.
“The installation of reverse cycle air-conditioners will greatly improve the service by providing year round comfort for the families who value the service.
“Installing Solar Panels will make the library more energy efficient. The money saved in energy bills will be put towards purchasing new resources to benefit Broken Hill’s families, contributing to a more vibrant and more viable community,” Mr Coulton said.
The overall cost of the project is $20,250, with the Stronger Communities Programme contributing half of the overall cost.
Mr Coulton and Mr Smith also visited the Broken Hill City Council’s Mayor Cr Darriea Turley, to present the City with a Chamber Flag.
The Chamber Flags is a unique artefact and each year Members of Parliament are entitled to receive, for presentation to eligible community groups, one Australian flag which has hung in the House of Representatives chamber.
It is accompanied by certification, signed by both the Speaker and the Federal Member, attesting its authenticity.
During their two day visit to Broken Hill, Mr Coulton and Mr Smith also visited a number of schools including Railway Town, Alma, Morgan Street and Broken Hill North Public Schools and the Sacred Heart Primary School. Mr Smith said that part of his position as the Speaker of the House of Representatives is dedicated to civics education.
At each school, both Mr Smith and Mr Coulton, in his position as Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, outlined their roles and responsibilities in the Australian Parliament. Both were impressed by the students’ attentiveness, interest and enthusiastic questions. The opportunity to witness a School of the Air lesson in progress was also greatly appreciated by Mr Coulton and Mr Smith.
Caption: Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tony Smith, Toy Library Co-ordinator Paigen King, Austin King, Acting Co-ordinator Kaye Barraclough, Hudson King, and Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton