BATHURST’s skate park will attract a new generation of users, thanks to $300,000 in funding, which will see stage two of the park designed and constructed by next year.
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The $300,000 funding announcement was one of two made by Member for Bathurst, Paul Toole, with Lifeline Central West also receiving $163,047 as part of the NSW Government’s Stronger Communities Fund.
Mr Toole said it was great to be able to provide funding to a community organisation and a community facility which provides so much to Bathurst.
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Announcing the funding for Lifeline Central West, Mr Toole said the money would be used to make major modifications and carry out associated building works to the building now occupied by Lifeline Central West on the corner of Rankin Street and Howick Street.
“The construction of this new telephone centre and training facilities for Lifeline Central West will allow for an increase in Lifeline’s capacity, including mental health, domestic violence, financial issues, gambling addiction and drug and alcohol counselling,” Mr Toole said.
“The building will become the home for a new Lifeline 13 11 14 telecentre and related training rooms. This will support a significant increase in its capacity, both as a tele centre and a trainer in a number of key areas.”
Mr Toole said Lifeline Central West recently purchased the building at 253 Howick Street, but needed help to fit it out to meet their needs.
“Lifeline Central West answers 13,000 calls a year as part of the Lifeline Australia network and this funding from the NSW Government recognises that all communities benefit from the work it does,” he said.
Later at the Bathurst Skate Park, Mr Toole said the $300,000 funding for the skate park would enable the construction of skate elements that can be used by younger or less confident community members who wish to develop their skating skills.
“Currently the skate park caters more towards intermediate or advanced users, but these additions will look to increase interest in skateboarding by improving the overall usability of the skate park,” he said.
“I am sure these improvements to the skate park will generate interest in more young people to use the facility and encourage them to be more physically active.”
Mayor of Bathurst, Graeme Hanger, said council will contribute a further $155,000 to the project, and said a community engagement meeting was planed for October 25, at Bathurst Memorial and Entertainment Centre to discuss ideas for the project.
“I invite everyone, especially young people and their families to come and have a look and let us know what they think.”
