Photo Caption: Member for Parkes Mark Coulton with Warren Museum and Gallery Association Chairman Dr John Burke (left) and members. A $3.5 million grant under the Coalition Government’s Building Better Regions Fund will enable this historic building to be fitted out as a museum, art gallery and artist-in-residence space.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said he was thrilled to see Federal Government funds are giving the Warren community a welcome boost during challenging times.
Mr Coulton, who visited Warren on a trip throughout his electorate of Parkes this week, said it’s clear to see there are many benefits being delivered across the shire.
“A whopping $3.5 million grant has gone to Warren Museum and Gallery Association under the Coalition Government’s Building Better Regions Fund,” Mr Coulton said.
“It was wonderful to tour the historic building situated on the main street of Warren, which will be fitted it out as a museum, art gallery and artist-in-residence space thanks to this grant.
“I caught up with a fantastic turnout of passionate association members, which just goes to show how much community support there is behind this project.
“Well done to Chairman Dr John Burke and members – the new and improved building will be a real asset to the local community.”
Mr Coulton said further works are on the cards for the Warren Showground.
“I met with members of Warren P & A Association, which will replace the main pavilion at the showground with $165,565 of funding under the Regional Agricultural Show Development Grants program,” he said.
“Warren was one of eight agricultural show societies in the Parkes electorate which shared in $1.5 million to reinvigorate their showgrounds.”
Mr Coulton has also announced that the Australian Government is spending $36 million to help agricultural show societies recover from the effects of COVID-19, ensuring they can continue after the pandemic.
“Eligible local shows in the Parkes electorate could receive a reimbursement of up to $70,000 under the Supporting Agricultural Shows program to deal with cash flow pressures,” he said.
“The Government is reimbursing shows for costs incurred in 2020 and funds will be paid in 2021. I urge show societies to check their eligibility and apply when the grants open.”
During the visit, Mr Coulton also met with Warren Shire Councillors to discuss current and future priority projects in the shire.
For more information about the Building Better Regions Fund, see www.business.gov.au/bbrf and for further details about the Supporting Agricultural Shows program, see https://www.regional.gov.au/regional/programs/covid-19-relief-and-recovery-fund.aspx
