Leaders seek community backing
Civic leaders overseeing a major redevelopment in Edenhope are exploring ways to find money needed to ensure the project maintains momentum.
While the first stage of an Edenhope and District Community Centre Redevelopment Project is underway, West Wimmera Shire Council is seeking community support to help make up a $300,000 shortfall.
The council requires extra money to finish off the fit-out of the new building and wants a dedicated community fund-raising effort before giving a goahead for the project’s second stage.
West Wimmera Shire mayor Jodie Pretlove said she expected the centre
to be a place where people could establish new and happy memories.
“We are asking our community to get on board and work with us to help bring to fruition an asset that meets the needs of everyone who lives in, works in and loves our region,” she said.
To help raise the money, naming rights to the new centre’s various rooms and assets will be available.
People will also have an opportunity to sponsor various other elements of the centre such as buying chairs.
The new centre will be on the site of Edenhope’s former town hall in Elizabeth Street, look out onto Lake Wallace and include a general activity area, a library with free Wifi, kitchen facilities, meeting rooms and a function space.
Federal, state and local governments have already collectively contributed $1.8-million for the project.
The State Government contributed $600,000 and Local Government
“We are asking our community to get on board and work with us to help bring to fruition an asset that meets the needs of everyone who lives in, works in and loves our region ” – Jodie Pretlove
Minister Adem Somyurek visited Edenhope last week to turn the first sod of the project.
“I commend West Wimmera Shire for this visionary project, which will see the community get more value from a site that has been a gathering place for well over 100 years,” Mr Somyurek said.
A project advisory group has been planning on how it would raise the extra $300,000 and has written to community groups seeking donations as well as businesses and not-for-profit groups to help spread word about the fundraising campaign.
Details about sponsorship opportunities will be available at a community information dinner meeting at Edenhope football clubrooms on Friday from 6pm.
The advisory group has organised the meeting, which will provide an opportunity for people to view plans and ask questions about the new centre.
It has also encouraged people to use the occasion to help share money-raising ideas.
The council has advised that people can make donations by visiting the Edenhope Community Bank, emailing edccproject@gmail.com or by calling West Wimmera Shire Council on 5585 9900 for details.