Photo caption: A $100,000 expansion for the New England Lapidary and Fossicking Clubhouse, members John Hogbin, left, Ian Hamilton, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Kathy Steadman, Jigme Dorje and Eric Steadman.
Monday, 27 February 2023
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall MP has today unearthed a precious gem, in the form of a $100,000 State Government grant, for the New England Lapidary and Fossicking Club to extend its clubhouse building at the Uralla Showground.
“The Lapidary and Fossicking Club is a small but active organisation with a growing membership base which needs more room to expand its workshop and display areas,” Mr Marshall said.
“After my visit today, it was crystal clear to me how much the members love what they do and want a larger and better space to share that with the local community.”
The funding will allow for the club to more than double the size of its existing clubhouse at the Uralla Showground, creating a purpose-built workshop space with dust extrusion and new kitchen area.
“I have no doubt the new space will be a welcome relief with a new kitchen, meeting area and machinery area in the works,” Mr marshall said.
“The club will also spend some funds improving its display cases, to show off more of the precious stones and gems collected and faceted by members.”
New England Lapidary and Fossicking Club President Michael Tasik said the club was excited to receive the funding.
“I would like to thank Adam and the government for the help obtaining this grant,” Mr Tasik said.
“There are currently over 50 people involved with our organisation and each and every one of them will benefit from the upgrade to our clubroom.
“The completion of this project will be of huge benefit to our Club which has been established for over 30 years.
“We look forward to many more years of providing a more spacious and useable area for members of our local community who enjoy the art of lapidary.”