At the ribbon cutting ceremony of the newly refurbished Cheney Park amenities block were (L-R) Sam Farraway MLC, President of the Parkes Touch Association Dave Cooper, NSW Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Parkes Shire Mayor Ken Keith OAM.
At the official opening of the newly refurbished Cheney Park amenities block on Wednesday, Parkes received the good news that the community would receive a further $1.6 million in NSW Government funding for other projects in the Shire.
Deputy Premier John Barilaro joined Parkes Mayor Ken Keith OAM and Sam Farraway MLC at the multi-purpose amenities block at Cheney Oval for a ribbon cutting ceremony when he made the announcement.
“Today I can announce another $1.6 million, through the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions Fund, to build and upgrade many more projects across Parkes.” He said Parkes would not have to compete for the money, and it would be allocated on an annual basis.
Nationals NSW Upper House MP, Sam Farraway said the funding was a result of the NSW Government’s revamped Resources for Regions program giving local towns and communities embedded in the mining industry a guaranteed fairer share of funding. Parkes is one of 24 eligible Local Government Areas to benefit from the fund.
The refurbishment of the Cheney Park amenities block was jointly funded with $200,000 from the Regional Growth Fund, matched by $200,00 from Parkes Shire Council and a $20,000 contribution from the Parkes Touch Football Association.
“The old amenities block was tired and lacked the modern facilities needed to support the hundreds of sports users visiting Cheney Park to play touch football, hockey and cricket,” said John.
According to President of the Parkes Touch Association Dave Cooper, only half of the building was in use and the kitchen was condemned. “We are now able to use the full facility, have kitchen and canteen facilities, all amenities were refurbished, we have a disabled toilet and a new awning with cement slab.”
He said the new awning would not only be good for spectators, but provide a sun safe area for training on hot days too. “This is just so good.”
Dave is also excited that the association would be able to vie for carnivals and events, especially regional junior tournaments.
The Parkes Mayor echoed this saying: “This upgrade has reinforced Cheney Park as a key sporting precinct within the Parkes Shire region, and delivered safe, secure and accessible amenities to ensure we can support players of all ages and abilities participate in sport, as well as attract and host major competitions which have significant economic benefits for the region.”