Member for New England Barnaby Joyce has announced funding for more local projects under the $22.5 million Round Four of the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Program.

The Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre has received $9000 to purchase and fit-out a mobile food van used by volunteers to prepare a free breakfast for local school children to encourage healthy eating habits.

Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre Manager Lee Watts said it’s been a tough year for many families in this area.

“It’s been a challenging environment for the Neighbourhood Centre to secure grants we didn’t think we had a look in when applying for a mobile van,” she said.

“However we took the initiative to apply for part of the funds through the Stronger Community Programs grant and approached Joblink Plus who we work closely with on an ongoing basis supporting the community to also assist with the project.

“We were successful and are very excited that this fantastic project will start next year.

“Students will be able to grab a free healthy breakfast, something nutritious each morning to re-fuel for the busy school day ahead.”

Mr Joyce said the work of the Scone Neighbourhood Centre is vital for so many children in the Scone area.

“It was a great pleasure to be able to assist the Scone Neighbourhood Centre by announcing a $9,000 grant for this new food van which will help volunteers make sure local kids arrive at school having had a nutritious breakfast each morning,” he said.

“These kids are our future and it’s important we offer them the best start to their young careers, and a fundamental part of that is a healthy breakfast before school.” 

This funding announcement follows recent grants under the same funding round for Scone and Upper Hunter Historical Society to build a covered outdoor area to preserve and display vintage items as well as Merriwa Tourist Welcoming Centre to install a new kitchen and tea room in the local men’s shed.

The Scone Neighbourhood Resource Centre are hoping to get a pool of volunteers and set up a roster to cover the morning hours.

If anyone is interested please contact the office on 6545 2562.