NSW Minister for Tourism, Major Events, Hospitality, Racing and the Arts, George Souris, announced this week that Walgett Shire Council would receive $107,040 in capital project funding for Lightning Ridge’s Australian Opal Centre.
“This is the first government funding for construction of the Australian Opal Centre’s much- anticipated building,” Australian Opal Centre manager Jenni Brammall said this week.
“It’s a significant milestone and a tremendous sign of confidence in the project,” Jenni said.
Of the 10 NSW arts and cultural organisations to share $740,000 in infrastructure grants, the Australian Opal Centre was awarded the highest amount for any project outside of Sydney and the second highest amount across the program.
“Capital Project Funding is available for the construction, renovation or fitting out of buildings and other facilities for arts and cultural use,” Mr Souris said
“In 2012 it will support the development of a mix of performing arts centres, galleries, museums and community arts centres in NSW.
“Capital Project Funding supports innovative capital infrastructure projects which promote participation in and access to arts and cultural activities by diverse communities
“It encourages active co-operation between local community groups, arts organisations and local councils to ensure the most efficient use of available resources.
“I congratulate all the recipients of 2012 Capital Project Funding, and I look forward to seeing the results of this State Government support at our arts and cultural facilities spread across the State”, said Mr Souris.
Jenni Brammall said Walgett Shire Council had supported the project strongly and appropriately, knowing that the Australian Opal Centre has regional, state and national significance and warrants the highest level of support.
“We’ve been in a ‘Catch 22’ situation with state and federal governments and private benefactors all waiting for someone else to make a commitment to funding the new building before being willing to make their own contribution. This is the breakthrough we’ve been waiting for,” Jenni said.
“The NSW Government has understood the significance and enormous potential of the Australian Opal Centre and has the confidence to put its money on the table.’’
Jenni praised the Australian Opal Centre’s thousands of supporters, naming Walgett Shire Council, Member for Barwon Kevin Humphries, Member for Parkes Mark Coulton and many other individuals and organisations.
“We’ve come a long way and there’s a long way still to go, but people really want this to happen, they’re working for it, and we’re going to do it,’’ Jenni said.
Australian Opal Centre president Vicki Bokros said the timing of the announcement was perfect.
“Her Excellency the Governor of NSW is hosting a reception at Government House next week to support the Australian Opal Centre,” Vicki said.
“Then the next day, on December 1, expressions of interest are due for Round 2 of the Australian Government’s Regional Development Australia Fund.
“The planets are lining up and the message is filtering through the corridors of power that the Australian Opal Centre is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to achieve something truly remarkable,” Vicki said.
Email a friend