$239,000 has been allocated to upgrade Scout NSW facilities at Tamworth, Gunnedah and Moonbi.
Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the funding was part of $7.75 million being provided, under the Government’s COVID-19 stimulus program, for projects at Scouts facilities on Crown land.
“Scouts NSW is one of our State’s largest and most popular youth organisations that helps communities build leadership skills, resilience and friendship through healthy activities for young people, so it’s great to support them,” Mr Anderson said.
Tamworth Oxley Scout Hall will see $86,000 to upgrade two bathrooms including installing disabled facilities, the kitchen refurbished, old barge boards and gutters on the roof replaced as well as a new and improved meeting room. Old building materials infested with asbestos will also be safely removed from the vicinity.
Mr Anderson said “this funding will help ensure…facilities are in good shape for future generations”.
Gunnedah is set to receive $66,000 for their Scout Hall, a space often used by other community organisations. The money will aid the installation of evaporative air conditioners to the main hall, and to sand and level the timber floor and cover it with commercial grade vinyl.
Moonbi’s Lynchwood Scout Camp will receive $87,000 to build a new timber veranda, repair a leaking roof, replace a retaining wall and a termite damaged timber hut. Moonbi’s Scout camp will have a mobile reception booster integrated for better communication access.
An old treehouse on the site which contains asbestos will also be removed.
Minister for Water, Property and Housing said communities had done it tough during COVID-19, including organisations like Scouts NSW whose activities have been disrupted.
“This funding will help Scouts NSW bounce back with improvements to facilities throughout the State, many of which are also used by other community organisations,” Mrs Pavey said.
The upgrades require new rooves, kitchens and toilets; an opportunity for local builders and suppliers to gain crucial business.
“Upgrade work will also support local economies with work for tradies and material suppliers, "Ms Pavey said.