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MEDIA RELEASES GUNNEDAH SOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOL HALL Peter Draper, Independent Candidate for the Electorate of Tamworth at the upcoming NSW State election in March 2003 has written to Education Minister the Hon John Watkins expressing concern at the ongoing delays in funding to construct a school hall at Gunnedah South Primary School. "Gunnedah South Primary is a school servicing some 600 children, and the school community has attempted to obtain funding for a school hall for over 8 years now," Mr Draper said. "Gunnedah South Primary is apparently the largest regional school in NSW without such an essential facility, yet the school community has been actively working towards securing funding for many years now. Having spoken to representatives from the schools P&C, I believe they have already raised around $100,000 to assist in the construction of a hall." Whilst the electorate was under the representation of Independent Member Tony Windsor, the NSW Government indicated its support for the proposal to construct a hall on school premises. Since Mr Windsor's decision to contest a Federal Parliamentary seat and the subsequent return to National Party representation in the State Electorate of Tamworth, the funding previously offered has not been forthcoming. "While appreciating the pressures on Government funding for projects such as the Gunnedah South School Primary hall, I firmly believe that this school community has suffered the disadvantage of operating without this essential facility for far too long," said Mr Draper. "Undercover daily assemblies, school award and presentation events, plus drama and musical performances are all conducted within school halls. A hall also gives the school an opportunity to develop closer ties with the general community by hosting community events in the building. This not only assists in developing public relations and assisting with fund generation, but also offers other opportunities to a school community. Gunnedah South Primary is significantly disadvantaged by not having a hall." Mr Draper has sought the assistance of the Hon John Watkins in his capacity of Minister for Education and Training to urgently consider the Gunnedah South Primary Schools ongoing problem. "The provision of funding for this hall is an investment in the education process for many children within the Gunnedah community, and I would urge the Minister to give this request his full and urgent attention," Mr Draper concluded. End Release |