BYRON SHIRE Mayor Simon Richardson and Nationals MLC Ben Franklin recently announced $320,000 for an extension and refurbishment works at Heritage House in Bangalow, and $255,000 for improved facilities at Sandhills Childcare Centre in Byron Bay.
“Two weeks ago we were announcing over $420,000 for Waterlily Park in Ocean Shores, and now Council is thrilled to learn of the success of two further grant applications through the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund,” Mayor Simon Richardson said.
“Today’s funding announcement is a great victory for the communities involved, and acknowledgement of the tireless work of the committees, volunteers and staff who are all passionate about making a difference,” he said.
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About the funding for Heritage House
The $320,000 grant for Heritage House will enable Council to extend the building, creating a new display and reading room which will become a cultural hub for the exploration of family history and boost the use of local history collections.
The refurbishment will assist in the creation of a public access centre with digital capability so that locals can link to family history records held by the NSW Government at the State Library of New South Wales.
Sarah Ford, Manager, Community Development said Council had been working closely with the Bangalow Historical Society on a vision for the future of Heritage House and this new reading room would create a social zone for genealogists and local researchers to support active ageing.
“Upgrades to Heritage House are needed to improve accessibility and also the longevity of the heritage building so that we can continue our Shire’s strong connection and pride in the achievements of the past,” she said.
“We hope that the improvements will also generate new interest in history from people of all ages, including the local schools and other community groups,” Ms Ford said.
About the funding for Sandhills Early Childhood Centre
Sandhills Early Childhood Centre is a not-for-profit service in the heart of Byron Bay. Danielle Layton, Children’s Services Coordinator, said that local families would benefit greatly from the $255,000 grant.
“On behalf of the committee, the staff and the children, we are absolutely thrilled to have won a grant which enable us to refurbish our learning spaces kitchen, bathrooms, laundry and staff areas for the children and allow us to create the green and clean spaces that 21st century families expect.
“Our centre has four playrooms that are designed to provide learning spaces for children, from infants and toddlers through to preschoolers. Each space is a unique setting and has its own outdoor area. These generous funds from the Stronger Country Communities Fund will support hundreds of Byron children over the coming years,” she said.
For further information about this story, contact Council’s Grants Coordinator, Jodi Frawley, on 02 6626 7209.