A new era for Guyra education facility the Gala Centre with New England Community College Executive Director Dorothy Lockyer, left, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall and Chairman Campbell Wolfenden.
Monday, 4 November 2019
GUYRA locals wanting to improve their computing skills or brush up on their numeracy and literacy will soon have an updated, modern classroom to learn in with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $71,875 State Government grant to refurbish the Gala Centre.
Mr Marshall said upgrading the home of the New England Community College (NECC) would allow the not-for-profit to expand its course delivery and continue to have a positive impact in the town.
“For almost 40 years NECC in its various forms has delivered top class training to some of Guyra’s most disadvantaged residents,” Mr Marshall said.
“This grant will remove walls in the Gala Centre to increase office and training space, install new male and female toilets, lay carpet and freshen up the inside of the building with a coat of paint.
“The organisation will also purchase the newest first-aid training equipment which will support its delivery of the First Aid course which sees more than 100 enrolments each year.”
NECC Executive Officer Dorothy Lockyer said the grant would mark a new era for adult education in Guyra.
“New England Community College is only a small organisation which does incredibly important work delivering courses which support people to gain employment and participate in the community,” Ms Lockyer said.
“We are incredibly lucky to have the Gala Centre centrally located in Guyra’s main street however over many years wear and tear has taken its toll on the building which is starting to look a bit tired.
“In Guyra alone we see around 400 enrolments annually so it really is important we have a facility which looks professional but also has the space and amenities to handle such a large number of people.
“Other important community organisations will also benefit from these works with the CWA Evening Group, Guyra Chamber of Commerce and tomato farm all using our meeting room regularly.
“The refurbishment will take place over the Christmas break meaning we will have a bright new premises ready to go for the start of courses in 2020.”