Successful projects announced in Round One of the Regional Cultural Fund for New England North West
Armidale and Region Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place Inc., Development completion – New England North West ($846,000)
This funding will enable the Armidale and Region Aboriginal Cultural Centre and Keeping Place (ACCKP) to complete its gallery works, car park, footpath, landscaping and install solar panels on the building. Being the only fully operating Aboriginal cultural centre and keeping place in the New England North West region, the ACCKP has become a significant venue for the community and surrounding regions.
Guyra & District Historical Society Inc., Museum refurbishment – New England North West ($60,000)
The Guyra Historical Museum will undergo a major refurbishment and renovation, which includes painting the whole building, electrical and plumbing repairs, replacement of doors and flooring where necessary, and the temporary removal of all museum display objects whilst these works take place. The project also includes a new research space and upgrade of data research tools.
Inverell Shire Council, Inverell Town Hall annex upgrade – New England North West ($26,440)
The upgrade of the Inverell Town Hall annex will re-energise the arts landscape in Inverell by boosting the capacity of the 1905 venue to host a wider variety of events. Following the upgrade, the annex will host arts, cultural and heritage events including drama workshops, pop up theatre, short films, acoustic live music performance, contemporary dance, week-long artist-in-residence programs and visual art exhibitions.
Moree Plains Shire Council, Civic Precinct redevelopment – New England North West ($1,052,182)
The Moree Civic Precinct – incorporating the Memorial Hall, Banquet Hall and Moree Plains Library – is an iconic 1923 building set in the heart of Moree’s main street. It has long been the home of the dramatic arts for the region, however needs redevelopment to satisfy the current and future requirements of theatrical and dance groups, visiting stage shows, schools and community groups. The redevelopment will improve heating and cooling, access, amenity, acoustics, access for people with a disability, and fire safety, and provide a safe and modern stage.
Narrabri Shire Council, Outdoor cinema screen – New England North West ($9,480)
Narrabri Shire Council will purchase an outdoor cinema screen and operating accessories for use throughout the shire (and adjoining shires when requested). It will provide cinematic, cultural and artistic experiences for the broader community and be available for community fundraising activities. The equipment will be based in Narrabri and transported to various locations as needed to serve the needs of community groups, outlying towns and neighbouring shires.
Tamworth Regional Council, Barraba Museum revitalisation – New England North West ($52,805)
The revitalisation of the Barraba Museum will provide essential upgrades to the museum buildings to better support site activation, place making and access to the museum and its collection. This volunteer run museum requires essential building maintenance to provide a safe, secure and accessible museum that adequately cares for its collection. The project is supported by a dynamic volunteer community.
Tamworth Regional Gallery, TRANSMIT project– New England North West ($58,500)
TRANSMIT will provide large-scale portable and permanent digital screens to enable wide community access to events occurring in places such as state galleries and universities. It will also support education programs for all ages and abilities. The screens will be located inside the Tamworth Regional Gallery and in other locations in the region. TRANSMIT supports access to the arts in regional Australia, the principle priority of the gallery since it opened nearly 100 years ago. TRANSMIT was launched on the gallery’s centenary 1 June 2019.
Uralla Shire Council, Aboriginal Cultural Display – New England North West ($16,196)
Uralla Shire Council has been approached by Local Aboriginal Elders wishing to loan or donate artefacts to preserve and assist the community in learning about local cultural heritage. This display will offer a diverse and distinctive cultural experience by encouraging development and growth in the regional cultural sector. The cabinets will be placed in the soon-to-be-upgraded Visitor Information Centre allowing tourists and locals to experience and learn about the local Aboriginal Culture and strengthen the relationships between the Local Elders, Uralla Shire Council, the local Community and the high tourist market.