Funding for Bourke Tourism and Youth

Bourke Mayor Barry Hollman (right) with Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Western NSW Adam Marshall who has announced over $760,000 in funding for Bourke tourism and youth projects under the Stronger Country Communities Fund. PHOTO TWH

Minister for western NSW Adam Marshall was on Wednesday to announce funding for a range of tourism, art and community projects through the Stronger Country Communities Fund (SCCP).

Mr Marshall, who is also NSW Minister for Agriculture, said the NSW government was committing $282,000 to boost tourism, by funding the “Growing Bourke” project that aims to ensure visitors have a quality experience in Bourke.

“This project will see new, interactive signage installed throughout the town and by using QR codes, visitors will have their own personal tour guide in the palm of their hands”, Mr Marshall said.

Mr Marshall also announced a further $422,000 from round three of the Stronger Country Communities Fund for another three Bourke Shire Council projects.

These included $310,000 to roll out new and improved youth-based sporting programs in Bourke, $70,000 to build a youth bike track in Central Park and $42,000 to help fund an Indigenous sculpture project along the banks of the Darling River.

Bourke Shire Council General Manager Ross Earl said the extra funding was another shot in the arm for the Bourke community at a tough time following drought and COVID-19 restrictions.

Mr Earl said that under previous rounds of the Stronger Country Communities Fund Bourke Council had been able to refurbish the Bourke swimming pool, and improve the lighting at Davidson and Coolican Ovals, upgrade the Davidson Oval canteen and carry out other improvements at Central Park.

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