Grants benefit community needs

As part of the NSW Government’s 2022 Community Building Partnership Program, Gosford East Public School and P&C Association, Fairhaven Disability Services and Everglades Country Club have received much-needed funding to upgrade community space and facilities.

24 February 2023

 

MEMBER for Gosford, Liesl Tesch, is pleased that the students, staff, and parents can enjoy a significant upgrade in facilities that will further strengthen the strong ties that the school has with the local community.

 

“I congratulate Gosford East Public School in receiving the much-needed funds to replace and update key equipment. The upgraded sound system for the school hall, a BBQ for fundraisers, and a marquee with the school logo for sporting events will go a long way in allowing the school to show off their fantastic school spirit and increased engagement with the broader community.”

 

“I also congratulate the P&C Associations for their tireless efforts to ensure that their children’s education and school life is as good as it gets. I thank them alongside the school’s staff in providing our children an engaging learning environment.”

 

Amanda Malone, Vice President of the P&C Association, is equally thrilled with the new funding.

 

“Overall, the funding is going to advance our school. The marquee will be used at many schooling events, the sound system will be brilliant for the school, and the barbeque will not only be used at fundraising events but also for rewards for the students.

 

“The funding provided helps us keep moving forward.”

 

The second recipient fore funding was Fairhaven, who, for sixty years, has helped local people living with disability secure jobs, provide accommodation, and connect them and their families to a broader community.

 

“Their key site in Point Clare – also known as The Hub – will be refurbished through the increased funding, and I cannot be more delighted that such a deserving organisation will be able to continue to offer programmes and services to people living with disability for many more years to come,” said Ms Tesch.

 

Rhona Wheatley, the Interim CEO of Fairhaven, was thrilled by the news that they received the grant.

 

“We are celebrating our 60th anniversary this year, and The Hub was one of the first buildings on site. The Hub is where participants come to do different activities ranging from drumming to cooking," Ms Wheatley said.

 

“The old roof is rusted through, and surfaces around the site need fixing as tree roots have taken hold and broken up the pathways and concrete. The Hub is the focal point for people living with disability in the area, and it is vital that it is fully accessible and watertight.

 

“Fairhaven is self-funded and receiving any sort of grant or support is crucial for us. We are so appreciative of this funding!”

 

Ms Tesch said that the money will go towards providing a safe, inclusive, and accessible site for people with disability to enjoy for years to come.

 

“The Hub is the centre of Fairhaven. As a long-standing and deeply impactful organisation for so many lives in the area, I know that this funding will see great outcomes for all,” Ms Tesch said.

 

Liesl Tesch said, “The Everglades Country Club has long been a meeting place for the local community. Upgrading the outdoor space will ensure patrons can enjoy the club no matter the weather and have protection from the sun whilst enjoying club facilities.”

 

Ross Seabrook, General Manager of the Everglades Country Club said that the upgrades will be thoroughly enjoyed.

 

“We identified that our new outdoor dining area needed to provide weather protection because of the popularity within the new development,” he said.

 

“The area covers about 40 seats and is great for both hot weather and bad weather.

 

“The club is very appreciative of the funding given and we welcome any government support to invest in upgrading the facilities.”

 

Liesl Tesch said that the structure will ensure the protection and comfort of members, visitors, and their families using the outdoor alfresco facilities.