Two vital community spaces in Byron Shire will have a facelift, thanks to NSW government funding.
The Mullumbimby War Widow’s Cottage, which is one of the homes of the Byron Youth Service (BYS), has received $197,716, while the Brunswick Heads CWA Hall will be improved with a $66,060 grant.
Deb Pearse, youth worker for 19 years at the Mullumbimby Cottage, said she was delighted that the 40-plus young people who use the facility each week are being shown that, ‘as a community, we value them and their potential.’
She said, ‘For a very long time, I have dreamed about the refurbishing and extending of what is a very, very old cottage built in a time long past.’
‘I have dreamed of hygienic upgrades and new toilet facilities for the young people to use -– no more queuing! I have also dreamed of a large space (no more sitting on the floor) adequate for the needs of young people and all the activities offered by Byron Youth Service at The Cottage. On behalf of BYS and the young people, thank you!’
Nationals parliamentary secretary for northern NSW Ben Franklin said, ‘This funding will bring The Cottage up to standard so the young people of the region can have a modern, safe space to meet, and a space that they can be proud of.’
He added work expected on the Brunswick Heads CWA Hall includes replacing the leaking roof, repairing the stormwater drainage and installation of solar hot water, a watertank, and security lights.
