A LOCAL silo art project is one of 30 nationwide to receive federal funding under the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s Tackling Tough Times Together program.
The Riverland Connect Association has been awarded $60,000 of Federal Government funding for their Paringa Silo Art project.
Member for Barker Tony Pasin said the Government was pleased to support the Foundation’s crucial work of stimulating regional economies while strengthening social connections in drought-affected communities.
“The Tackling Tough Times Together program has a range of benefits, including keeping money flowing through shops and suppliers and creating jobs for communities that have been disadvantaged by drought,” he said.
“This funding will benefit the Paringa community by increasing local tourism to support the local economy.
“Our $15 million funding assistance to the Tackling Tough Times Together program has supported hundreds of projects run by local groups in drought-affected regional communities that build social cohesion, reduce social isolation, develop local capacity and leadership skills, address disadvantage, stimulate economic activity or increase educational participation.
“I encourage all eligible community groups to apply for the ongoing funding available under the Tackling Tough Times Together program to make their much-needed initiatives a reality.”
Paringa Silo Art project manager Les Webb said he was grateful for the grant.
“We were one of 27 organisations that received the funding so to qualify was very special,” he said.
“Silo art is a big business at the moment and it’s become extremely competitive.
“I’m hoping it will have the capacity to attract tourism to the region.”
Mr Webb said although the $60,000 was a significant amount of funding to receive, it was unable to cover the entire cost.
“We’ve had to put the budget back a little but that’s okay,” he said.
“It’s definitely enough to cover the art work but we had to think of other things like lighting.
“I know the work will still look amazing – different to any other silos we’ve seen – and I can’t wait for the project to start next month and hopefully be completed in November.”