State MP for Granville, Julia Finn, said the funds would deliver much-needed improvements to local facilities including restoration of the heritage-listed Blouza Hall and kitchen and facility upgrades for various centres.
“This grassroots funding will help create a more vibrant and inclusive community with positive social, environmental and recreational outcomes,” she said.
Projects to receive funding comprise: $34,000 to Almadar Association of Australia Inc for a kitchen upgrade and entertainment area; $100,000 to Australian Blouza Association for building restoration; $40,000 to Alridwan Community Centre for a vehicle purchase; $8,000 to the Tamil Resource Centre for a security system upgrade; $19,110 to Anglican Church property trust Diocese of Sydney for installation of solar panels; $19,050 to Taldumande Youth services for exterior works to the new Taldumande Refuge; $9,000 to Anglican Church Property Trust to repair windows; $40,000 to Afghan Australian Noor Association for refurbishing Nabi akram Centre; and $30,370 to St Francis Social Services for a House of Welcome Drop-In community kitchen.
Australian Blouza Association President Tony Khoury said they were grateful to receive the funding and needed every cent.
“It’s such a wonderful building and the money will go a long way for restoration,” he said.
Past President Ray Eltakchi said they refreshed the inside during covid but needed a big boost to get the outside projects underway.
“Being a charity, we are very reliant on funding and appreciate this grant more than you know,” he said.
The Community Building Partnership program has funded more than 19,700 community projects since it began in 2009.
For more info, visit nsw.gov.au/cbp.
Funding win for vital projects
THE Australian Blouza Association is one of nine projects across the Granville electorate to share in $299,530 in funding.
