New Elliott community hub boost for local youth and jobs

Mayor Steve Edgington officially opens local community and sports and recreation hub in Elliott

Posted: Friday, 1 February 2019

Young people in Elliott now have a safe place to relax, socialise and take part in community programs, following the refurbishment of the local community hub. At an official opening of the upgraded Sports and Recreation building at 12 noon on Friday, 1 February, the Mayor Steve Edgington welcomed the $136,505 investment from the Australian Government's Building Better Regions Fund. Barkly Regional Council provided $93,136. The Mayor also thanked Traditional Owner Heather Wilson for conducting the Welcome to Country. G.K. Building Contractors won the tender to refurbish the Elliott Sports and Recreation building, commencing work in March 2018 and completing the project two months later. Six construction jobs were created through the project and a further six ongoing roles will be supported. Mayor Steve Edgington said the project is an exciting and much needed development as the sporting facilities in Elliott were ageing. "The Sport and Recreation building was inherited from the Elliott Town Council when the individual councils amalgamated in 2008 to form the Shire, now the Barkly Regional Council," he said. "Prior to this, little was done to maintain the building, but in mid-2017 Council was successful in receiving a grant from the Australian Government to upgrade the existing structure - an exciting and much needed development. “This upgrade enhances a key recreational hub in the community and will provide a lively meeting place for local residents to come together to have fun and participate in sports. “A sport and recreation centre promotes an active, healthy lifestyle, but also provides a sense of belonging and aids the development of life skills and leadership abilities.” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said in a joint Media Release today that the funding demonstrates the Coalition Government's commitment to providing the infrastructure required to support social and community activity in regional Australia. “By helping to fund the upgrade of Elliott’s community hub, we’re not only providing the resources residents need but also providing economic opportunity,” Mr McCormack said. “With six construction jobs created and a further six ongoing roles supported, in addition to generating revenue through community events and meetings, projects such as this help to create the thriving regional communities that make this country such a wonderful place to live.” Minister for Indigenous Affairs and Country Liberals Senator for Northern Territory, Nigel Scullion, who sent his apologies for not being able to attend the opening, said the refurbishment of the existing community building will provide a venue capable of accommodating catering for functions as well as nutrition workshops and cooking classes.  “The new hub will provide a safe environment for young people to relax, socialise and play sports, while also providing a venue for presenting programs about the dangers of alcohol and drug use,” Senator Scullion said. “Through providing a shaded outdoor area, new lighting, the construction of a basketball court, installation of a water fountain and seats and tables for up to 20 people, anyone who needs a safe place to visit in Elliot will only have to look as far as the local community hub.”