The NSW Government has offered Cooma-Monaro Shire Council a grant of $69,950 to go towards the upgrade and refurbishment of the amenities block at the Cooma Showground.

The grant was issued by the Government on the proviso that the party receiving the grant matched the funds. This is being achieved by locals donating their time and labour towards the refurbishment.

The Cooma Stallions and Cooma Colts have volunteered their labour in support of the project, as too have other local businesses.

Cr Dean Lynch said

“ It just goes to show what you can achieve when you all work together and have community support. The Stallions and colts put the proposal together, did all the legwork and now they have been successful in gaining a positive result. Any clubs can do the same thing to achieve these results benefiting the entire community.”

The proposed work to be carried out will include removal of internal walls to enable a larger change room. Construction of new showers, toilets, disabled toilet and referees room at the rear, which will include separate access from the rear of the building. New tiles and paintwork of the change rooms and new paths around the building.

Robbie Salvestro is the project manager for the job and planning is well under way. The plan is to have the refurbishment complete before the 2010 football season kicks off.

Consultation with the users of the change rooms is transpiring as to gain a breakdown of the proposed usage of the sheds and to work out how much and what type of labour will be required when work begins.