Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, has declared that he is going into bat for the Mid-Western Regional Gallery and Cultural Centre - which faces a funding shortfall.
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However, as this amount is roughly half of what is required to complete the project, Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, met recently with Mayor of Mid-Western Regional Council, Cr Des Kennedy, to discuss how the funding shortfall of $2 million could be met.
"I think it's a terrific project," said Mr Gee.
"One of the reasons people move to country areas is for the strong cultural and arts scene. The Regional Gallery and Cultural Centre is vital for the community and I'll do everything that I can to fight for funding so the whole project can be completed, not just part of it."
After community consultation on what the precinct should offer, Council developed master plans which included retaining the building's heritage, while incorporating a modern feel, a café and an area to hold events. In addition to offering an art gallery, the new precinct will also compliment the nearby arts and cultural attractions to create the cultural hub.
"It would be wonderful to secure additional funding to ensure the Mid-Western Regional Gallery and Cultural Centre is delivered as per Council's vision of a cultural precinct that incorporates the Lawson Park Sculpture Walk and Tourism Hub, in addition to a gallery and artist in residence spaces," Cr Kennedy said.
"Council received $2.3 million through the NSW Government's Regional Cultural Fund earlier this year and is hopeful of securing further funding to progress the project.
"I'd like to thank our Federal Member Andrew Gee for his enthusiasm for this facility which ranked in the top five most important projects for 52 per cent of local residents surveyed in 2016/17."
With the requisite funding, Council aims to have the new precinct established by mid-2020.
