December 21, 2016
A popular venue for community groups visiting Raymond Island has received government funding to update it kitchen facilities.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said The Abbey had received $6500 through the #lovegippsland Stronger Communities Program.
Mr Chester said the Abbey provided accommodation and event facilities on a 2.5-hectare site at A’Beckett Park.
“The Abbey is a popular venue for groups from across Gippsland and Melbourne, bringing people into our region,” Mr Chester said.
The Abbey is owned by the Anglican Trusts Corporation of the Diocese of Gippsland and comprises a dining and recreational hall, a conference room and a commercial kitchen, eight motel units and a refurbished cottage.
Archdeacon Edie Ashley said the total cost of the kitchen upgrade would be $13,000, with The Abbey and volunteers contributing the remainder of the project costs.
“Over the past year, The Abbey has hosted many large events, including conferences, retreats, leadership weekends, weddings and family functions,” Archdeacon Edie said.
“A well-functioning kitchen is critical for a community facility like this one. One of the ovens wasn’t working and the other was on the way out. Now we’ve got excellent cooking facilities with both the combi oven as well as the LPG range, so that’s a big improvement.
“Upgrading the kitchen is important if The Abbey is to continue to draw large groups to Raymond Island and for us to continue to build The Abbey’s reputation as a centre for spirituality and the environment,” she said.
Mr Chester said the #lovegippsland Stronger Communities Program provided grants of between $5000 and $20,000 for projects that provided social benefits and improve community participation.
“Nearly 40 community groups and organisations in Gippsland have received funding for a diverse range of projects to improve infrastructure in our communities,” Mr Chester said.
