A number of community groups in the Mudgee region will have a new home, after Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders officially announced the sale of the former TAFE complex in Court Street to Mid-Western Regional Council.
Mr Saunders joined with representatives from the council and community groups to visit the site, having negotiated the sale with a community use clause in place.
“I had lots of discussions with a number of groups and individuals in Mudgee who raised concerns about the declining nature of the main building. It was unused and subject to vandalism, and there was a real desire to see the site used again by groups within the community,” Mr Saunders said.
“I’ve been very supportive of that idea, and worked with the Mid Western Regional Council and the Minister for Skills to find the best way forward. I’m delighted Council came on board to purchase the site, and what we have now is a great outcome.”
The University of the Third Age, Mudgee Performing Arts Society and Mudgee Concert Band were among the groups to put forward submissions. U3A president Heather Rushton said the initiative would allow the group to hold all its classes in one location, and even expand its offering.
“I think it’s a wonderful initiative on behalf of the council and Dugald Saunders to get this going – absolutely brilliant,” she said.
“We are just so thrilled at the prospect of having a home, a space of our own to hold new and better classes.”
Mid-Western Regional Council deputy mayor Sam Paine said the facility will be an asset for the community.
“This facility is going to bring together several active community groups and provide them with meeting rooms, rehearsal areas and storage space, which they’ve been struggling to find until now,” he said.
“The building will be a hub for the cultural and educational activities that enrich our region, and will allow these not-for-profit groups to flourish, knowing that they have a secure home.”