The 1st Moree Scouts thankful for a $61,000 State Government grant to help address damage to their hall caused by the March floods, with Assistant Scout Leader Nathan Bennett, back row left, Ben Walker, Cub Leader Rhiannan Barr, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Leader in Charge Lila Fisher, Lucy Atherton, Assistant Cub Leader Matt Eggins, Chair Person Lauren Townsend. Front, Olivia Walker, James Eggins, Macy Eggins, Charlotte Rooke, Jayden Wilde and Nathan Walker.
Monday, 26 July 2021
THE 1st Moree Scouts Group have received assistance to prepare them for any future major flood, with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $61,000 grant to upgrade the organisation’s hall near the Mehi River and fix damage caused by water inundation during the March flood event.
Mr Marshall visited 1st Moree Scout Group last week to see how their recovery was progressing and deliver the exciting news.
“With all the positive work Scouts NSW does to support the health and wellbeing of Moree’s youth, it’s only fitting the organisation be extended a helping hand when it finds itself in need,” Mr Marshall said.
“Due to its proximity to the Mehi River, Moree Scouts knew their hall was destined to get wet feet but they were not prepared for the incredible amount of water and mud that actually flowed into the building.
“Due to the damage in the building, weekly Scout meetings have been restricted to three rooms.
“This grant will help reinstate the hall to full working order. Repairs will be made to water damaged skirting boards and the floor, while some internal walls will be removed as they are no longer safe.
“Moree Scouts are also using this opportunity to upgrade their amenities and bring them in line with expected accessibility standards.
“I know it has been difficult, but I congratulate the 1st Moree Scouts on the way they banded together to clean their premises up and get back to doing the important task of developing confidence and leadership in the town’s youth.”
The 1st Moree Scout Group Chair Lauren Townsend said the improvements made using the grant would make the building more resistant to future floods.
“Our hall’s proximity to the Mehi River means the building will forever be at risk of flooding,” Ms Townsend said.
“Our leaders and parents are passionate about scouting, unfortunately much of the last four months has been taken up with working bees.
“In receiving such a large grant we now have the funds to address current flood damage and make structural changes which will hopefully reduce future flood impacts.
“On behalf of our group’s 40 youth members, I thank Adam and the State Government for this support.”
The funding is part of $7.75 million being provided, under the Government’s COVID-19 stimulus program, for projects at Scouts facilities on Crown land.
The 1st Moree Scouts Group meets two nights a week:
Joeys – Monday 6 to 7pm
Cubs – Tuesdays 6.30 to 8pm
Scouts – Wednesday 6.30 to 8pm
Ventures – Tuesday 6 to 8pm