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Sarsfield to finally receives funding for their new community hall from government funding after a lot of lobbying

A resounding cheer echoed around the Sarsfield Recreation Reserve on Friday night when news was received that the heavily-bushfire impacted community had finally received funding for a new hall and development of the reserve.

By news@gippsland - 30th October 2022 - Back to News

Despite having almost 75% of properties directly flame-impacted, including the loss of close to 30% of Sarsfield's homes, the community missed out on funding through the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery funding last February, due to the government ruling that the Rec Reserve committee's ABN rendered them ineligible for funding. Following an outcry by many sections of the community, Sarsfield was promised funding through the Community Development Grants program, only to see that program axed following the election and all applications reassessed yet again.

Compounding the joy of Sarsfield residents, an exciting new community space will be developed including a nature-based playground, seating and gathering spaces

Finally, this week the good news arrived that Sarsfield was successful in their application and would be receiving funding to build a brand-new community hall and establish walking trails in the nearby bushland. In addition, an exciting new community space will be developed including a nature-based playground, seating and gathering spaces.

Long journey of recovery

Sarsfield Community Association President, Simon Hof, was full of praise for the support the Sarsfield community received. "We received enormous support from politicians on both sides of the political divide, and across all three levels of government. Also, a huge number of community members wrote letters and emails in support of our project. We can't thank everyone enough. This is a massive achievement for the community which reflects many hundreds of hours of work from many people."

Simon explained how desperately the works were needed. "The Sarsfield hall is more than 60 years old and was constructed by connecting a second-hand caravan park kiosk to a school shelter shed. Many volunteers have worked hard over the years to maintain it, but unfortunately now the building has reached the end of its lifespan."

"The hall was an essential refuge for the Sarsfield community immediately following the bushfires, and has continued to be the focal point for much-needed community support activities as we continue the long journey of bushfire recovery." Mr Hof said.

Major part of community recovery

Compounding the joy of Sarsfield residents was the news that the application by the community of Ensay had also been funded. Simon described that Ensay's application had also been rejected under the Black Summer Bushfire Recovery funding for the same ABN issue. "It would have been a hollow victory for us if our friends at Ensay had missed out again. We congratulate them and are very excited for both communities who can now move on with major recovery projects."

Simon said that the Sarsfield Community Association was keen to get started on the project. "We've been assured that a funding agreement with the government will be negotiated shortly, which means that we're close to making firm plans to start the works."

"The community of Sarsfield has been doing it tough since the bushfires, and the news this week has really lifted the spirits of local residents. These projects will be a major part of community recovery and the facilities will support ongoing wellbeing for Sarsfield residents for many decades into the future." Mr Hof concluded.

Pictures from Sarsfield Community Association website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com