THE Port Albert Water Sports and Safety Centre (PAWSSC) has been awarded a grant of $10,000 from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) to upgrade its flooring, paving the way for more community events.
Currently, the building has concrete flooring, and the upgrade will see acrylic flooring installed. Both thermal and aesthetical improvements are expected to be realised when the works are complete. FRRR announced the grants for 131 projects across the country on June 19.
PAWSSC is jointly tenanted by the Port Albert Coast Guard and Port Albert Yacht club for day-to-day operations.
Jenny Smith, who is on the PAWSSC committee, told the Gippsland Times they were very excited that their grant application was successful.
“We are extremely grateful for the grant from FRRR to improving the look and feel of the facility. Their contribution means the works will be completed, combined with joint contributions by the two tenants,” Ms Smith said.
“We hope the upgrades being completed over time will make the facility more appealing for the community to make use of.
“We are working closely with the Wellington Shire Council and other funding bodies to help have the improvements completed in a timely and cost effective way for all involved with using the facility.”
The project timeframes submitted with the grant application was for works to commence in late October or November, and be completed by the end of 2023. The PAWSSC has already seen other improvements completed within the last couple of years.
“In the last 18 months we have installed new solar panels, purchased new safe and easy to clean seating, upgraded the kitchen and hope to be soon upgrading insulation and plastering the internal roofline,” Ms Smith said.
The new solar panels have reduced PAWSSC’s electricity accounts by approximately 70 per cent. With the reduced operating costs, they are now investigating transitioning from gas hot water to electric.
Ms Smith said that currently the hall is available to hire for parties and community events, which is expected to step up once the works are completed.
“The Wellington Shire Council have held a number of community information events in the facility. The PAWSSC will be holding an event in the facility on December 1 when the Great Victorian Bike Ride are planning on being in Port Albert overnight,” she said.
“We hope the facility will be more appealing to hirers with the new flooring making the property more inviting and easier to clean.”
The June 19 announcement revealed FRRR has awarded $1,340,387 in grants to 131 local groups across remote, rural and regional Australia for projects that support small yet vital community needs, disaster resilience and recovery and COVID-19 recovery initiatives.
Other local recipients included the Heyfield Community Resource Centre and Seed Community Garden in Sale.
The grants are awarded through FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program.
Collaboratively funded by donors ranging from private individuals to larger foundations, the SRC program supports a diverse range of initiatives across remote, rural and regional Australia.
