Visitors benefiting from drought support works

Published on 02 December 2020

Visitors to two of the Gannawarra’s major towns this summer will benefit from projects supported by the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme – Extension.

Koondrook residents and visitors to the Murray River township will be better prepared for fire risks after Koondrook Fire Brigade recently installed electronic signage at its Thompson Street headquarters, enabling the promotion of Fire Danger Ratings and Total Fire Ban notification to the township.

Gannawarra Shire Council provided the brigade $5,000 from Round 3 of the Gannawarra Community Resilience Grants program, supported by $2 million of funding provided to Council from the Drought Communities Programme – Extension, enabling these important works to proceed.

“The Koondrook Fire Brigade funded the remaining $5,500 for the project, raised through sheer hard work by many members and the hosting of special projects,” Koondrook Fire Brigade Captain, John Schulze said.

“Our thanks goes to Gannawarra Shire Council, Koondrook Development Committee, Koondrook Fire Brigade past and present members, especially the members of our previous Ladies Auxiliary who transferred their funds to the brigade account, and the Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Team who gave up their time to keep fundraising efforts going.”

 ABOVE: Koondrook Fire Brigade's new digital sign.

Meanwhile, people visiting Kerang’s Atkinson Park have a new place to enjoy musical performances following the recent installation of a dance floor and games space.

“Visitors to the monthly Kerang Community Market and New Year’s Event Party in the Park, held in Atkinson Park, regularly enjoy the musical performances held under the park’s sound shell,” Gannawarra Shire Council Chief Executive Officer, Tom O’Reilly said.

“Although both of these events are not occurring at this time due to COVID-19 restrictions, visitors to these events and other celebrations held at this popular location in the future now have a new place to enjoy the musical talents of the Gannawarra’s residents.”

These two initiatives are more than 60 projects and events supported by Council’s drought support efforts, which aim to provide long-lasting benefits to the community.

“Council looks forward to continuing to roll out these projects during the remainder of 2020 and the first half of 2021,” Mr O’Reilly said.

Details and updates on all projects supported by funding from the Federal Government’s Drought Communities Programme – Extension is available online at www.gsc.vic.gov.au/droughtfunding

MAIN PHOTO: A dance floor was recently installed at Kerang's Atkinson Park, funded through the Federal Government's Drought Communities Programme – Extension.