An under-used Lismore factory is set to be reborn as a flood-resilient creative hub, as 38 community projects across the North Coast share in $12.4 million.
Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA) has received $997,917 to deliver Stage Zero works for The Joinery in Lismore.
The project will turn the old factory into a space for workshops, training, youth programs, residencies, and community arts.
It is one of four major projects leading the North Coast share of the NSW Government’s $50 million Active Regional Communities Package, which is funding 156 projects across the state.
The North Coast projects are spread across 13 local government areas and range from new sporting and cultural facilities to council infrastructure and environmental projects.
“People in the North Coast know what their communities need, and these projects show the ideas, energy and local leadership that exists right across the region,” said Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty.
In the Tweed, Tweed Seagulls RLFC will get $1 million for a new covered grandstand and seating at Piggabeen Sports Complex.
The upgrade will improve comfort, safety, and access for spectators, and support regional rugby league events, school teams, and growing female, Indigenous, and inclusive participation.
In the Clarence Valley, Mudyala Aboriginal Corporation has received $1 million for its community-led Mudyala BRIDGE Program.
The program supports at-risk children and young people through cultural camps, after-school and holiday activities, youth worker support, and a new community bus.
Down in Port Macquarie-Hastings, Koala Conservation Australia will use $1 million to set up the KCA Community Conservation Hub.
It will support education, volunteering, family, aged care, and disability programs across its koala conservation sites, with accessible transport and facility upgrades.
“These projects are about supporting the places, people and organisations that make the North Coast such a strong and connected region, from local sporting clubs and creative hubs to cultural, environmental and wellbeing initiatives,” said Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin.
Kyogle Council has also landed $1 million for amenity and functionality upgrades to the Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall.
The biggest single grant, $1,410,408, goes to NSW Rugby Union for Rugby World Cup regional activation events across multiple areas, including the North Coast.
Talk2mebro has received $1 million for its regional outreach and connection program, and the New South Wales Basketball Association gets $932,129 for a North Coast Regional Basketball Excellence Hub.
Unkya Local Aboriginal Land Council will receive $926,237 for a Gumbaynggirr art, cultural, and community program in the Nambucca Valley.
The funding flows to smaller clubs and halls, too.
Pottsville Beach Football Club gets $380,000 for lighting at Black Rocks Sports Complex, and Kempsey Saints Football Club gets $309,400 to fix drainage at the Eden Street playing fields.
Lynchs Creek Community Hall will be refurbished with $290,312, while Byron Bay Rugby League Club and Bellingen Valley Dorrigo Rugby League Football Club each receive $100,000.
Around Lismore, Dunoon Community Tennis gets $98,893 to resurface its courts, and Numulgi Memorial Hall gets $71,923 for a community play space.
Other recipients include:
- Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital in Ballina, $92,084 to build a sustainable volunteer base.
- Woolgoolga Seniors’ Centre, $63,037 for new audio visual equipment.
- Coffs Coast Outrigger Canoe Club, $44,661 for an ultralight canoe and storage rack.
- Coutts Crossing Croquet Club, $87,608 for a toilet block.
- Grafton Community Shed, $33,100 for a shed upgrade.
- Coraki Memorial Bowling Club, $30,720 for a lighting upgrade.
- Ballina Shire Concert Band, $18,083 for a band hall upgrade.
“Whether it’s a sporting facility, a local event, a cultural program or practical support for people as they live their day to day lives, these projects will create more opportunities to get involved and stay connected,” Ms Moriarty said.
“Strong local communities make the North Coast a great place to live, work and raise a family, and the Minns Labor Government is proud to invest in the projects that help local towns thrive.”
The Active Regional Communities Package is part of more than $223 million being delivered from the NSW Government’s $400 million Regional Development Trust Fund.
“Whether it is improving facilities, backing our volunteers, increasing participation or creating more welcoming community spaces, this funding will help North Coast communities deliver projects that locals have identified as important,” Ms Saffin said.
For more information, go to nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust
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