Funding Boost Welcomed

The Freemans Reach School of Arts hall Member will be getting some tender loving care thanks to a $110,681 boost from the State Government for maintenance and improvements work.

Hawkesbury MP Robyn Preston said the funding is being provided by the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF) program.

She said works will include the construction of a retaining wall, repairs to the iron wall, fencing, new pathways, painting, tree pruning and the installation of a fire hydrant.

The Mechanics Institute was granted land, locally known as Freemans Land, by the Department of Lands for the Freemans Reach School of Arts building which was largely built by volunteer labour and was opened on April 11th 1901.

Over the decades the Freemans Reach School of Arts hall has been hired by families holding parties for WW1 and WW2 soldiers who were farewelled by family before going to war. Weddings, christenings, birthday parties, church bazaars, presentation nights have all been held for locals. It has been a school room and much more.

Ms Preston said: “I’d like to congratulate Glenda Chapman for submitting the application for this grant. Maintaining and enhancing our Crown reserves means residents have access to quality spaces for sports and fitness, or to just relax, rejuvenate and to get in touch with nature and each other.”

Hawkesbury River County Council will also receive CRIS funding of $12,250 for the harvesting of aquatic weeds from the nearby Nepean River.