The Lyndhurst Recreation Ground will be a premiere destination this cricket season after receiving $26,262 in funding under the Australian Government's Drought Communities Programme Extension.
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The funding will go towards removal of the existing cricket pitch, the purchase and installation of a synthetic pitch, demolition of the old canteen and construction of a covered grandstand in its place.
Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, met with members of Blayney Shire Council and the Lyndhurst Cricket Club on Wednesday to make the announcement.
Mr Gee said it was exciting to be supporting such a wonderful community sporting organisation.
"It's great that a portion of the DCP has been allocated to this project," he said.
"The club's been re-formed and there's been an up-surge in interest in playing which is terrific to see.
"The great thing about a grant like this is, while it supports infrastructure at the ground with a new pitch and seating, it also brings communities together which is what this club and the community of Lyndhurst does really well.
"I'd like to congratulate Blayney Shire Council, the members of the Lyndhurst Cricket Club and everyone who saw fit to make this project happen."
Club president Ashley Clark said the funding had come at a great time for the club.
"It's fantastic, this is a development for sport locally in a small regional town that hasn't had anything going for a while," he said.
"It's also very positive from a family perspective, the more we can incorporate families to come out and socialise is good for the community.
"Some of us are farming based and have had a rough couple of years so it's nice to see some positivity, something to enjoy and be a part of."
Mr Clark said the grant was helping not only the club but local businesses.
"It has a great flow on effect to local businesses, our seating will be manufactured by ICR Engineering at Blayney, the concrete for the pitch is coming from Blayney Concrete and the turf is coming from a business in Orange," he said.
"It's about trying to incorporate some local businesses, we as a club always try to purchase as many local supplies as possible."
He said the club was looking forward to getting out and using the new pitch.
"We're very much looking forward to it (the 2020/21 season)," he said.
"It's a lot of fun with a great deal of involvement from everyone and it's nice to be out doing something.
"I'd really like to thank the Lyndhurst Village Committee for helping to put together this grant application."
The Golden Memories Museum in Millthorpe is being brought into the 21st century thanks to a grant from the Australian Government's Drought Communities Programme Extension.
The funding will mean that this popular tourist attraction will now have modern amenities for volunteers and visitors alike.
Federal Member for Calare and Minister for Decentralisation and Regional Education, Andrew Gee MP was delighted with the project's progress when he visited the museum on Wednesday.
"The Golden Memories Museum is integral to the historic charm of Millthorpe. It's a fantastic attraction for residents across the Central West bringing tourists from far and wide," Mr Gee said.
"To date the museum's volunteers and visitors have had to make-do with the nearby amenities at the former St Joseph's Convent School, Millthorpe which closed almost fifty years ago," Mr Gee said.
"The new amenities block is going to be top-of-the-line having separate men's and women's facilities, including ambulant access to both and a unisex disabled toilet.
Hayley Lavers, Collections Manager and Executive Member from the Golden Memories Museum was grateful for the funding allocation.
"Work has been done to improve other parts of the museum over the years," said Ms Lavers.
"It's great to finally be able to bring the amenities up to scratch. They are the last thing to do on our master plan to revamp the old convent school.
The total cost of replacing the amenities block at the Golden Memories Millthorpe Museum was $110,000.
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