Media Statement - 1st October 2007
The Dennes Point Community Hall on North Bruny Island will receive a boost of $141,000 for a much needed restoration if a Rudd Labor Government is elected, it was announced today.
Simon Crean, Shadow Minister for Trade & Regional Development and Julie Collins, Labor’s Candidate for the seat of Franklin, made the pledge today.
Labor’s funding will enable the North Bruny Island Community Group and Kingborough Council to refurbish the existing Dennes Point Hall and build new infrastructure, including a shop, post office, dining area, gallery and medical rooms.
Last year 40,000 people visited Bruny Island and the restored hall will play a central role as a tourist information centre, as well as an art gallery and performance venue.
‘Federal Labor is delighted to support this important community priority in partnership with the Local Council and the community. This project is a great example of the benefit of entering into partnership with other levels of government to achieve a significant benefit for the region’ Mr Crean said
‘Federal Labor is committed to sustainable regional development and we will support local solutions which have the support of their communities which stack up and have the support of the Area Consultative Committee.’
‘Julie Collins brought the project to federal Labor’s attention following her discussions with the North Bruny Island Community Group,’ Mr Crean said.
Julie Collins congratulated the community on their efforts to restore the hall.
‘I am sure it will become a social hub for residents and provide a new sense of community focus’, Julie Collins said.
Community group spokesperson Brendan Schmidt was delighted funding would be secured if Labor won government.
“The community centre will offer new recreational, cultural and tourist opportunities for northern Bruny,” Mr Schmidt said.
“The opportunity to shop and access social services closer to home will be particularly welcomed by older people, people with disabilities and those without personal transport.”
A transformed Dennes Point Community Centre will boost cultural and tourist activity on the island, with the gallery and refurbished hall supporting 40 Bruny Island artists and providing a venue for visiting performers