Leeton Shire Council is delighted to announce that the Roxy Community Theatre secured a $2,000,040 grant from the Australian and NSW Governments. The funding will see the full vision of the Roxy Community Theatre Masterplan realised, including adding back several elements that were originally value managed out and, most importantly, helping to set up the Roxy Institute of Performing Arts (RIPA).
A further $1M has been awarded to SunRice to upgrade sheds and roads at its Leeton distribution centre.
Leeton's funding sits alongside investments in other Southern Basin regions facing water buybacks including Griffith, Murray River, Balranald, Carrathool, Hay and Barooga.
Leeton Shire Council Mayor George Weston thanked the Australian and NSW Governments for their welcome investment into Leeton's Roxy Community Theatre through the Sustainable Communities Early Investment Round.
"This funding will see the full vision of the Roxy Community Theatre Masterplan realised, including improved sound and lighting systems, AI facilities with digital displays, fit out of the bar/café area, and installation of an Integrated Pest Management system.
"Most importantly, it will support the establishment of the Roxy Institute of Performing Arts (RIPA) – an educational centre that will enable industry-specific training and mentoring for young people wanting to pursue careers in the arts."
Leeton Shire Council Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Lead for Arts and Culture, Cr Michael Kidd, echoed these sentiments, stating, "The establishment of RIPA will create employment both during construction and ongoing once it is operational. It will serve as a regional hub for the arts, offering training across music, theatre, film making and AI, gaming, and writing.
"RIPA will also help grow Leeton's nighttime economy, diversify employment opportunities, strengthen cultural tourism, and build community cohesion. Importantly, it will equip our young people and community members with the skills and readiness to work in the arts industry, ensuring Leeton's creative sector continues to flourish into the future."
In receiving this latest funding, Council has not been required to vote further funds to the project, bringing its share of the full Roxy redevelopment costs to around 30%.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"The NSW Government is standing with Southern Basin communities by delivering funding that will generate jobs, boost economic growth and help shield them from the effects of water recovery measures, including water buybacks."
"While we don't support water buybacks, we are determined to ensure local industries and towns have the infrastructure, equipment and opportunities they need to stay strong and competitive.
"This initial round of funding is a direct response to what we've heard from locals, and I congratulate the successful applicants for stepping forward with projects that will protect livelihoods and build long-term resilience.
"This is just the beginning, with further support to follow across the NSW Basin to ensure that the impacts of the Australian Government's water purchasing is offset across exposed communities."
