Monday, 24 February 2025
The New England Lapidary and Fossicking Club’s home base at Uralla Showground has an updated look thanks to a $100,000 grant from round 5 of the now-defunct Stronger Country Communities Fund.
Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan was on-hand as the club officially unveiled their renovated clubhouse.
Ladybug Projects of Inverell organised the official opening after they successfully wrote the grant application for the club.
The improvements included a 42m² extension to the clubhouse, upgrading the existing piers to concrete to improve structure, supplying and installing a 1500 litre water tank, fit out of a new kitchen, the purchase and installation of a new hot water unit for the kitchen and the addition of double power points throughout the building.
The grant was secured in 2023 and Mr Moylan congratulated the New England Lapidary and Fossicking Club for putting together a successful application.
“It is great to see great community-based clubs expanding their membership and improving facilities for all users,” Mr Moylan said.
“The upgrades make for a more user friendly and safer working area.
“Well done to the club for securing this grant money and completing the works.”
New England Lapidary and Fossicking Club president Michael Tasik was thankful for the funding and said the renovations will be a great benefit to the club’s 60 members and the wider Uralla community.
“The completion of this project will be a huge benefit to our club which has been established for over 34 years,” Mr Tasik said.
“This project is not only an asset to the Uralla Showground but to the local community as well. It will allow us to provide much improved facilities for our expanding membership and offer more activities such as faceting and silversmithing.
“We look forward to many more years of providing a more spacious and useable area for any members of our local community who enjoy the art of lapidary.”
The Stronger Country Communities Fund program was cancelled by the Minns Labor Government in 2023.
“I am really disappointed the Minns Labor Government axed the Strong Country Communities Fund program.
“It was a great program that provided important funding for community groups, like the New England Lapidary and Fossicking Club.”
MEDIA: Electorate Office 6772 5552
Photo caption: Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan with members of the New England Lapidary and Fossicking Club at their renovated clubhouse