The McGowan Government has contributed $385,000 to two Bridgetown projects which will boost aged care and provide better support for regional arts and culture events in the region.
Geegeelup Village, which provides independent and aged care accommodation for seniors, has received a Lotterywest grant of $181,022 to support better accessibility at the facility.
With demand for seniors' residential support growing, an expansion of the facility is underway to expand the existing building, double the number of beds available, and redevelop the design to better meet the current care and lifestyle needs of residents.
This grant will contribute to the cost of works to improve the accessibility of outdoor spaces and social, therapeutic, sensory and dementia-designed areas.
Bridgetown Town Hall and Civic Centre has received $204,148 from Lotterywest to refurbish the facility - the first upgrades to the 1936-built facility for three decades.
Used for numerous local arts and culture activities, including Blues at Bridgetown and the Bridgetown Winter Festival, the facility's poor condition has held it back from capitalising on further opportunities with local and touring artists and events.
The Lotterywest funding will support a wider project to refurbish the building's interiors and install new technology to allow for the hosting of a range of contemporary performing arts, gallery exhibitions, and community events - while preserving its heritage values.
The grant will provide new lighting and audio, front and back stage curtains, chairs and an art hanging system.
As stated by Seniors and Ageing and Volunteering Minister Mick Murray:
"The State Government is pleased to support these important local seniors and arts projects, ensuring better local aged care resourcing and more opportunities for local and touring arts events.
"The funding will assist with a much-needed expansion and redevelopment of Geegeelup Village. A third of Bridgetown's population is over 60 - way above the State average of 19 per cent.
"This funding will help Geegeelup Village grow its capacity to meet that need, and provide better support for residents, their families, visitors and volunteers.
"Bridgetown Town Hall and Civic Centre is a local historical asset - but it is in real need of a refurbishment after 30 years since its last upgrade.
"Art and cultural events bring great value to regional communities - in terms of tourism and enrichment of the local community - and these upgrades will ensure Bridgetown can improve its art and culture offerings.
"With new technology and infrastructure, the town will be able to build on the success of Blues at Bridgetown and the Bridgetown Winter Festival - providing new opportunities for local and touring artists."
Minister's office - 6552 6400
