The Sir Henry Parkes Tenterfield School of Arts will be better-equipped to host more functions in comfort thanks to a successful grant application worth $72,000.
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The money will be used to install air-conditioning in the facility’s Banquet Hall and theatre dressing rooms, as well as to insulate the ceilings of the Banquet Hall, Parkes Gallery and Cinema. Tenterfield Shire Council’s senior economic development officer Harry Bolton aims to have the upgrade completed in time for October’s Sir Henry Parkes Oration.
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“By improving the building’s heating and cooling systems the community will have greater use of the facility for functions and exhibitions, especially during winter and summer,” MP Thomas George said in announcing council’s success in securing the grant, in round two of the NSW Government’s $100 million Regional Cultural Fund (RCF).
Mr George said refurbishing the School of Arts will allow the heritage-listed facility to be utilised all year round.The facility was built in 1875 and is known as the site where Sir Henry Parkes delivered the famous Tenterfield Oration, calling for the Federation of the Australian states.
Mr George was accompanied by Nationals candidate Austin Curtin who said the School of Arts building is of national significance and these upgrades will allow more people to experience the town’s important history.
“This project will further drive Tenterfield’s tourism industry, encouraging more visitors to make their way south from Queensland to soak up the region’s heritage and landscapes but more importantly spend money in local businesses,” he said.
“Improving the School of Art’s facilities will allow the venue to attract larger performances, adding to the many attractions which already bring tourists to town.
“Currently part of the building is a museum. The upgrades will ensure the protection of both National Trust and local artefacts while allowing the museum to host travelling exhibitions.”
The RCF is part of the NSW Government’s $1.3 billion Regional Growth Fund which aims to improve not only the economic outcomes but the standard of living and wellbeing of people in regional NSW.
Mr Bolton confirmed that opportunities to host travelling exhibitions have been foregone in the past as the School of Arts didn’t have the necessary climate control. More such cultural experiences are in store once the upgrade is operational.
It’s another advance in a successful run for the complex, which has seen attendance figures steadily rising. There was a 34 per cent increase in visitation last calendar year over the previous one, with 6985 people making use of the facility.
The program up to this year’s oration is a busy one, with the Brass Band Concert on March 7 a highlight of Rotary’s Bavarian Music Festival & Beer Fest.
On March 27 see Banjo (contemporary dance with Banjo’s poetry) and on March 29 children’s theatre Kaput will be playing.
June highlights include Warwick Scotts College Highland Pipe Band Concert (June 1) and the Melbourne Comedy Festival (June 12).
July boasts the Beat of The Bush Festival (July 8-11) swiftly followed by the Melbourne City Ballet performing Alice in Wonderland (July 12).
The Tenterfield Business & Tourism Excellence Awards return on August 8, followed by Roald Dahl’s The Twits (August 18).
Then there’s the Peter Allen Festival (September 5-8). Tenterfield Eisteddfod (September 16-27) and the Manhattan Film Festival (October 3) and the Australian Film Festival (October 4-7), before the Sir Henry Parkes Oration on October 26.