Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall with BEST Employment CEO Penny Alliston-Hall and Program Manager Luke Thom outside Inverell’s Linking Together Centre.
Thursday, 12 April 2018
UPGRADES at Inverell’s Linking Together Homework Centre will boost local students to head of the class, thanks to a $37,464 NSW Government grant announced today by Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall.
Mr Marshall recently met with operators BEST Employment to announce funding from the NSW Government’s Social Housing Community Improvement Fund to improve comfort and teaching resources at the centre.
“Inverell’s Linking Together Centre is safe haven for parents and young people, offering resources to help with study and forge better connections with their community,” Mr Marshall said.
“For many students who have a busy home life, this centre is an calm and focused oasis that allows them to undertake extracurricular study with fewer distractions and all the equipment they need.
“This $37,464 in funding will allow the centre to build new desks, shelving, benches, and a whiteboard to ensure students have all the tools they need to succeed.
“Further upgrades will install reverse cycle air conditioning, security lighting and cameras, that will help young people feel comfortable and safe when studying and learning.”
Mr Marshall said the works would commence between Term 2 and Term 3 this year.
“Programs offered by the Linking Together Centre range from guidance following traumatic events or incarceration, to advice with sewing and homework, with breakfast and afternoon tea offered to students to keep young minds fuelled,” he said.
“With this funding, the Linking Together Centre will be able to continue and expand its important role within the Inverell community, offering a leg up to people from all backgrounds.”
BEST Employment CEO Penny Alliston-Hall said the upgrades would be completed over the school holidays to minimise inconvenience to students.
“BEST is so excited and incredibly appreciative in receiving this funding for the Linking Together Centre’s Homework Centre,” Mrs Alliston-Hall said.
“The funding will allow us to significantly improve the facility, which will provide immense benefit to the community. It will also enhance and enrich the well-being of the kids and staff who utilise the facility.”
Linking Together Centre Program Manager Luke Thom said the funding would extensively modernise the facility.
““The Linking Together Centre, Homework Centre Upgrade will improve the facility greatly and will benefit all children that use the centre,” Mr Thom said.
“The upgrades will improve the facility so the kids have an up-to-date space to do their homework and for the staff to run the program.”