Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton met with members of the Gulgong Showground Trust who said the dining room was integral to the local community.

“The dining room is used on a regular basis by numerous members of the Gulgong community,” Mr Coulton said.

“Therefore we need to make sure that the dining room facilities are up to scratch to cater for the demand whilst also complying with necessary health safety standards.”

The funding announcement is a result of Round 1 of the Coalition Government’s Stronger Communities Programme.  The purpose of this programme is to improve local community participation and cohesion whilst contributing to vibrant and viable communities.

Mr Coulton said he was overwhelmed by the community response he received for Round 1 of the programme right across the federal electorate of Parkes.

“For a long time I felt there was a need for greater support for incorporated not-for-profit and local government organisations to help build and maintain small infrastructure projects that would benefit our local communities,” Mr Coulton said.

“The fact that my office received over 90 expressions of interests for projects under Round 1 of this programme certainly confirms my belief that there is a need and I am extremely pleased to be able to help do something about it.

“Our local volunteer organisations such as the Gulgong Showground Trust are pivotal to our community’s identities and this programme certainly goes some way to supporting them and the terrific work they do.”