Inverell Scouts Group Leader Jon Cox, left, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Venturer Scout Ben Cox and Inverell Scouts Joeys Leader Karen Smith.
Monday, 25 May 2020
MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has today announced a $19,745 State Government grant for the Inverell Scouts Group to upgrade its 62-year-old hall.
Mr Marshall said the funding would allow the Group to give the hall’s ageing kitchen a major facelift and improve bathroom facilities.
“This is a huge win for Inverell Scouts to give them the capital funds they need to undertake the largest upgrade of their hall since it was constructed more than six decades ago,” Mr Marshall said.
“Inverell Scouts will make all areas of the hall wheel chair accessible by updating the kitchen bench space, draws and cupboards, removing obstructions into the showers and widening the entry into the toilet.
“Currently, Inverell Scouts has 30 youth members and four adult leaders which means the hall must have facilities which can service a variety of individual needs.
“This project will also enhance the building’s capacity to provide accommodation and meals to emergency personnel and evacuees in times of disaster.”
Inverell Scouts Group Leader Jon Cox said the refurbishment would allow the organisation to generate additional income.
“The Inverell Scouts Hall is already well utilised, with different community organisations regularly hiring it out for meetings, training sessions and gatherings,” Mr Cox said.
“Improved access to the kitchen and bathroom facilities will make our hall even more attractive as a venue for hire, while also increasing our capacity to cook for fundraisers such as food drives and event catering.
“As a not-for-profit organisations these activities provide our group with the funds needed to conduct camps and purchase new equipment.
“The Scouts have a long history supporting the Inverell community and I’m glad we are able to continue that tradition with this project, by buying building materials and appliances from local businesses and utilising local contractors.
“Once construction starts I expect it will take three to six months to complete with the hope will have all new facilities by Christmas this year.”