Over $216,000 to support arts and culture in Federation Council

Published on 13 December 2018

Member for Albury, Greg Aplin this week announced $216,418 for the Federation Council to preserve the iconic Urana Court House and to resurrect the Dexter Horizontal Windmill through round two of the NSW Government’s Regional Cultural Fund.

Mr Aplin said both these projects deserve support and will benefit the Federation Council communities.

“The Urana Court House Museum proudly retains many features from its days as a Court. On display are the original furnishings and Coat of Arms. Built in 1879 and designed by James Barnet the Colonial Architect, the Urana Court House Museum stands as a proud reminder of the history of the region. It is now used to display historical items that are not only enjoyed by schools for educational purposes but by residents, travellers and people far and wide looking for information on our past,” said Mr Aplin.

The major project is the reconstruction of the iconic 7.2m high Dexter Horizontal Windmill, which clearly holds a unique link to our pastoral heritage, and therefore is of significant historical value. The windmill was imported to Australia prior to 1883. We are advised that it could be one of only two available to be exhibited in the world,” Mr Aplin said.

“These kinds of projects also offer new experiences for both local and overseas visitors, leading to more tourism dollars and jobs for the area.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said these two projects will receive a share of the $47 million round two funding, including up to $5 million specifically for regional public library infrastructure projects.

“Art, screen, culture, music and performance are at the heart and soul of regional NSW and this funding will provide even more opportunities for locals to enjoy entertaining and educational experiences,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Importantly it will also provide artists with new opportunities to showcase innovative and quality works and allow visitors to experience a diverse range of arts and activities while generating social, economic and tourism benefits across the state.

“By improving and supporting local art galleries, libraries and artist-led public art we are making towns and cities across regional NSW vibrant places to live, study, work and play.”

Minister for the Arts Don Harwin said the Regional Cultural Fund would provide inspiration, education and development opportunities for young regional artists.

“It has been my pleasure to see first-hand how the first round of recipients have benefited and I have no doubt that these new projects will continue to enrich the lives of artists, cultural workers and communities across the State,” Mr Harwin said.

“I congratulate Federation Council on this great news which means the community will share in the very best of artistic and cultural experiences into the future.”

The Regional Cultural Fund is part of the NSW Government’s $1.6 billion Regional Growth Fund, designed to improve economic growth and productivity as well as community amenity with investment in regional communities.

Federation Council Mayor Pat Bourke said the Council was grateful for the continued support from the NSW Government and looked forward to now being able to make the two much awaited community projects come to fruition thanks to the generous funding.