THE volunteers at the Heyfield RSL Sub-Branch will receive help to give their building a needed facelift.
Gippsland MHR Darren Chester has announced the sub-branch in Heyfield would receive $10,000 from the federal government towards re-cladding its Davis St clubrooms.
“This is welcome news for everyone who works hard to support the Heyfield RSL,” Mr Chester said.
“It will help to meet the cost of re-cladding the building, which is expected to be around $25,000.
“This funding has been secured through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s Tackling Tough Times Together program, which is designed to stimulate and support regional communities.
“Gippsland has battled drought for many years now and it has affected all of us throughout the region in one way or another.
“These grants are designed to keep money flowing through shops and suppliers and create jobs for communities that are suffering from the impact of drought.”
The Meerlieu Community Hall’s committee of management has also been allocated funding through this latest round of the Tackling Tough Times Together program. The committee will receive more than $17,000 to develop designs and other documentation to support the committee’s work to determine how the building will be used into the future.
Meanwhile, the organisers of nine agricultural shows and field days in Gippsland forced to cancel this year’s events will receive a one-off payment from a $34 million federal government funding pool to help relieve cash-flow issues.
Among the 378 agricultural shows and field day events to receive funding across the nation are the Sale Show ($14,485), Maffra Show ($7221) and Yarram Show ($3987).
“Agricultural shows and field days are an important opportunity for people to come together in a relaxed environment, but also provide a boost to local economic activity and showcase new innovations and technology in agriculture,” Mr Chester said.
“It is important we help to secure the future of these events not only for the economic contribution they make to our community, but for the skills, knowledge and support they provide to our farmers and primary producers.”
