The electorate of Maitland has secured $300,000 in funding for 15 projects through the NSW Government’s 2020 Community Building Partnership Program.

Member for Maitland Jenny Aitchison MP says the State Government funds will deliver much-needed improvements to local facilities that will benefit a wide range of organisations across the community.

Maitland Men’s Shed received a major allocation of funds for the purchase and installation of a wheelchair-accessible lift.

“I am delighted that men with mobility issues will now be able to take a more active part in the operations of Maitland Men’s Shed,” Ms Aitchison said.

“Research has shown how beneficial it is for men to be part of these organisations, and it is fantastic we can make it accessible for even more Maitland men.”

Maitland City Council also received a substantial allocation for the construction of female friendly amenities at Alan & Don Lawrence Oval, Thornton.

Funding will benefit a diverse range of organisations ranging from the City of Maitland Pipes and Drums to Maitland Repertory Theatre to Maitland Triathlon Club.

“This grassroots funding will directly help create a more vibrant and inclusive local community with positive outcomes for sporting organisations, community groups, children and families, charitable organisations and cultural groups,” Ms Aitchison said.

“I congratulate all the organisations that were successful in their application and look forward to seeing how these projects make a real difference for community groups in the area.”

The full list of successful projects in the Maitland electorate for the 2020 round are:

• Playground redevelopment, Bolwarra district, $20,000

• Stretcher, St John Ambulance Maitland, $11,499

• Female Friendly Amenities, Alan & Don Lawrence Oval, Thornton, $40,000

• Purchase and installation of oven/stove, Millers Forest Community Hall, $4,710

• Repairs and refurbishment, East Maitland War Memorial Community Hall, $15,765

• Food preparation area, Bolwarra Uniting Church, $35,000

• Wheelchair-accessible lift, Maitland Men’s Shed, $64,261

• Facilities and equipment upgrade, Youth Express, $24,339

• Solar, airconditioning and plumbing, East Maitland Guide Hall, $20,999

• Alfresco play area, Maitland Family Day Care, $8,000

• Mezzanine workshop floor, Morpeth Men’s Shed, $15,000

• Solar Project, Maitland St Vincent de Paul, $4,255

• Lighting and airconditioning, City of Maitland Pipes And Drums, $9,380

• Coloured LED Sign, Maitland Rep Theatre, 12,000

• Timing system, Maitland Triathlon Club, $14,792.

The Community Building Partnership program has funded more than 15,000 community projects since it commenced in 2009.

Applications for the 2021 Program open in early 2021.

For more information about the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership Program, visit www.nsw.gov.au/cbp