The dedicated volunteers at the Heyfield RSL Sub-Branch will receive welcome help to give their building a needed facelift.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has announced the sub-branch in Heyfield would receive $10,000 towards re-cladding its Davis Street 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.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the latest funding came at a critical moment in regional Australia’s economic recovery.
“Regional communities are tough and they’re strong – our people have seen the challenges of drought, bushfires, floods and now a global pandemic and they are rallying,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“Drought is only truly broken after 18 to 24 months of sustained good rainfall and we know so many communities have not yet had that.
“That’s why we committed $15 million for the Tackling Tough Times Together program, supporting hundreds of projects run by local groups in drought-affected regional communities.
“The Federal Government is backing regional Australia every step of the way to ensure communities bounce back stronger than ever.”
More information on the Tackling Tough Times Together program and the latest round of recipients can be found at www.frrr.org.au/grants/TTTT
