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MEDIA RELEASES DRAPER SECURES INTERIM FUNDING FOR COLEDALE COMMUNITY CENTRE Peter Draper is delighted to announce that he has assisted the Coledale Community Centre obtain $12,500 in funding to provide improved facilities within their Youth space, and to improve storage capabilities in the Community Centre. Mr Draper approached the Board of West Tamworth League Club late last year for assistance, as he was very concerned by the time taken by Government to make funding decisions that will determine the Community Centres ability to deliver services. "West Tamworth League Club is a very community minded organisation," said Mr Draper. "When I explained the situation facing the Community Centre to Board members, they suggested that an application for CDSE funding (Community Development Support Expenditure funding) would be appropriate. I assisted the Community Centre with their application, and am delighted to announce that the proposal has been approved." "This funding will assist the Community Centre immensely, and the community is very grateful to West Tamworth League Club for its help. It must be remembered however, that the Community Centre still faces a long term funding shortfall, and Government still needs to examine the problem and provide a solution." Peter Draper has been actively working for the Coledale Community Centre since last year when he approached the NSW State Government to address the funding shortfall at the Centre. While the Government was supportive in respect to Mr Draper's submission to increase recurrent funding, the Department of Community Services is waiting on a consultants report on the organisation before making any decision on increasing assistance. The Community Centre has a severe space shortage, with all rooms being used to full capacity, and even small kitchens being used to hold meetings. The Community Centre is home to many varied groups and health services, and to help alleviate the space shortage Tamworth First Light Rotary Club donated a shipping container for storage. The container needs to have power connected to provide light, and to have shelving constructed to make it suitable for storage. The Community Centre has also been without a Youth Worker for some time, and an upgrade of facilities within the Youth space is urgently needed. Community Centre Co-ordinator Barbara Daly has advised Mr Draper that funding for a Youth Worker on a part-time basis has now been approved and the Centre will begin advertising to fill this important position shortly. "I have been very concerned by the time it is taking for the consultants report to be presented to DoCS," commented Mr Draper. "The community of Coledale need a Youth worker to be actively engaging the young people of the area in constructive programs. While I am pleased that the position will be filled shortly, I strongly believe that Government should recognise the importance of the role by allocating sufficient funds to make the position full time. If elected I will be actively lobbying for this to happen." A presentation of the cheque for $12,500 from West Tamworth League Club will be made to Community Centre representatives next week. |