Scout Group receives COVID-19 funding boost

The NSW Government is providing $15,000 for Avoca Beach Scout Group to renovate its kitchen facilities as part of a COVID-19 stimulus program to help local construction workers.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast and Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch said the Avoca Beach Scout Hall is one of many Scout Groups located on Crown Land across NSW that will receive a spruce-up to their facilities, thanks to a $1 million COVID-19 stimulus program.

“The Avoca Beach Scout Hall will get $15,000 to renovate its kitchen facilities to ensure it can continue to provide quality support for local Scouts,” Mr Crouch said.

“Scouts NSW is one of NSW’s largest and most successful youth organisations, building leadership skills, resilience and friendship while offering an extraordinary variety of activities for young people.”

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said the $1 million will assist regional communities with construction work while strengthening Scout Halls and facilities on Crown Land.

“COVID-19 has had a big impact forcing Scouts NSW to put on hold meetings at Scout Halls and cancel events that it relies on for fundraising,” Ms Pavey said.

“This stimulus will help Scouts NSW bounce back with improvements to facilities across the State, many of which are also used by other community organisations. This will also boost local economies by supporting tradies and material suppliers with spending on upgrade work.”

Scouts NSW Chief Commissioner Neville Tomkins said the stimulus funding would make a huge difference during what has been the organisation’s toughest period.

“We are absolutely delighted with the NSW Government support which will assist an enormous number of communities through projects to improve our Scout facilities,” Mr Tomkins said.

“It will improve the amenity of buildings and campsites. There are many roofs that need repair, kitchen and toilet blocks that need upgrades, and campsites we would like to make more accessible including for those in wheelchairs.”