Member for Maitland, Jenny Aitchison, has today announced the nine infrastructure projects that have received funding under the 2015 Community Building Partnership program.
The NSW Community Building Partnership program supports the improvement of community infrastructure, and creates more vibrant and inclusive communities by supporting projects that encourage community participation, inclusion and cohesion.
Maitland received a total of $200,000 in funding which was open to local councils and incorporated not-for-profit bodies such as charities, sporting, social and environmental groups.
Ms Aitchison had lobbied the Premier to increase the funding to $300,000 as had been received in other Hunter electorates, but could not get the Premier to agree, despite the area having one of the highest unemployment rates in the state throughout the year.
Ms Aitchison said she was pleased to see funding allocated to worthwhile organisations, including two which had been commitments for Ms Aitchison during the lead up to this year’s election.
“The Maitland Rugby Union Football Club has had a number of significant setbacks this year, with the loss of one of my dear friends Mr Trevor Holden, as well as the significant injury to Dom Punch. On speaking to the President of the Club, Mr Ben Emmett, to inform him that the project was funded, he was very pleased to hear such good news” said Ms Aitchison.
“Similarly for the Maitland Tenambit BMX Club who recently completed construction of a club house at a cost of $120,000 to the club, which they have then had to hand over to Council, it was good to be able to give them some funding which will significantly reduce their ongoing maintenance costs and provide a safer start gate,” said Ms Aitchison.
“I was very pleased that during this Centenary of Anzac year funding has been made available to provide some practical assistance to the East Maitland RSL Sub-Branch making their hall more secure with the installation of crim safe.”
“It was good to see CBP funds were granted across a broad range of community programs including several sporting facilities, pre-school and early education and other community facilities used by older members of the community.”
Ms Aitchison encouraged groups that were unsuccessful in this round to apply again next year, or to consult her website which outlines links to a number of NSW and Federal grants programs www.jennyaitchison.com.au/#!supporting-community-groups/s9lha
The successful Maitland applicants were:
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Maitland Tenambit BMX Club – $63,676 – to storm proof the track and install a safety start gate.
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East Maitland Preschool Association – $10,000 – to develop the open play space.
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Maitland City Council – $10,000 – to upgrade flood lighting at Max McMahon Oval.
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Maitland Invitation Pigeon Racing Club – $10,000 – for the extension of club rooms.
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Samaritans Foundation – $10,000 – to create a Natural Play Space at the Woodberry Early Learning Centre.
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Maitland Turf Hockey Association – $7,000 – to help construct toilets, showers and change rooms.
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The Scouts Association of NSW – $10,434 – to install ceiling insulation and downlights.
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Maitland Rugby Union Football Club – $70,000 – electrical transformer and lighting upgrade at Marcellin Park.
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East Maitland War Memorial and Rest Park Trust – $8,890 – to install security screens in the hall.
For full details about the program and the successful projects please visit http://www.communitybuildingpartnership.nsw.gov.au/successful_grants/2015_grants
Photo Opportunities:
Thursday 10 December – Maitland Rugby Union Club
WHEN: 5pm, Thursday, 10 December, 2015
WHERE: Marcellin Park, Glenarvon Road, Lorn
ATTENDEES: Jenny Aitchison MP and representatives from Maitland Rugby Union Club
Sunday 13 December – Maitland Tenambit BMX Club
WHEN: 2.30pm, Sunday, 13 December, 2015
WHERE: Regal Hunter Hotel, 33 Metford Road, Tenambit
ATTENDEES: Jenny Aitchison MP and representatives from Maitland Tenambit BMX Club
Monday 14 December – East Maitland RSL Sub-Branch
WHEN: 6pm, Monday, 14 December, 2015
WHERE: East Maitland War Memorial and Rest Park Trust, New England Highway, East Maitland
ATTENDEES: Jenny Aitchison MP and representatives from East Maitland RSL Sub-Branch
