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New Amenities Building a True Community Achievement
Last modified: November 2, 2009 - 11:37 AM
SCONE Rugby Union and Scone Rugby League players will benefit from a brand new amenities building that was officially opened at Scone Park on Saturday.
Welcoming special guests including Federal Member for Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon, who officiated at the opening, Upper Hunter Shire Council Mayor Lee Watts said the project was achieved with funding from a part of Council's $416,000 Round One allocation under the Federal Government's $300 million Regional and Local Community Infrastructure program.
"When this funding was announced - to boost local economies and help Councils across Australia to build and refurbish community infrastructure - council identified several priority projects," Cr Watts said.
"This project was allocated $120,000 of that funding as well as a $40,000 Council funded contribution and community volunteer works in kind to create a completely new amenities building."
She said other projects completed this year as part of the $416,000 allocation included improving the kitchen facilities at the RSL Hall in Murrurundi, upgrading facilities at the school of arts building in Merriwa, enhancing access for people with disabilities over the Pages River footbridge at Murrurundi, creating the popular new playground at Wingen, work to improve pedestrian access on the Graeme Street bridge at Aberdeen, renovating the community centre at Cassilis, as well as rehabilitating and strengthening the runway at Scone Airport.
"There are many, many more similar projects on Council's "to do" list but we would like to think that we have allocated our first round of funding to projects that meet the program objective of improving the quality of life for visitors and residents of the Upper Hunter Shire," Cr Watts said.
"Council's Management Plan reflects our commitment to this very goal with significant capital works projects such as water augmentation and bridge replacement included in our plans."
Cr Watts said while Federal Government funding was essential, the new amenities building could not have been completed without the generosity and dedication of many people who volunteered their time, expertise and equipment to achieve the best possible project and value for money from the funding provided.
"Most of us are familiar with the 2006 hit Aussie film Kenny - which focuses a lot on dunnies - but maybe the film was an international hit because it showed a bloke with a genuine nature and strength of character - and we are so fortunate to have no shortage of blokes like this in the Upper Hunter Shire," Cr Watts said.
"Just as Kenny is eternally optimistic and always ready to put others before himself, so too are several of the people who made this amenities block a reality."
Those who volunteered included Phil Eveleigh, who drew the plans, Brett Hailes, who provided his engineering skills, Russell Ritter and John Brooks, who moved the old change room, Don Adams, who provided the electrical work, builder Alan Eather provided major support, expertise and labour, plumber Jeff Eveleigh, and bricklayer Steve Eveleigh. "All these local tradespeople and professionals made this project an example of what can e achieved through co-operation and community spirit", Cr Watts said.
An informal barbeque was held at Scone Park to mark the occasion.
Contact details
Upper Hunter Shire Council
Tel: 02 6540 1100
Fax: 02 6545 2671
council@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au
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