The funding was made possible through the state government’s social housing community improvement fund and will be used to improve Gossamer Park in a number of different ways. 

In securing the funding, council has formed a working group that includes community members and service providers to ensure the money is effectively used and to assure continual involvement from Wattle Hill residents. 

The money will be used at Gossamer Park for a playground refurbishment, new barbecue, art work display and community garden. 

Street lighting and a shaded seating space have also been identified by the working group for future grant funding opportunities. 

Council’s acting community services manager Nateaka Blake said a number of groups were involved in the “working party”. 

“(They) include council, the Leeton Local Aboriginal Lands Council, Rotary Club of Leeton, Intereach, Murrumbidgee Landcare, Wattle Hill men’s and women’s groups, Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service and key community members,” she said. “The focus is on the community. 

“(We want to) build on their current strengths and maintain a ‘grassroots’ approach to community development. 

“Gossamer Park was recognised as an opportunity to create a space that could be used by the (whole) community. This project is a long-term aspiration with many facets to the project.”

The Gossamer Park project is among more than 120 others across the state that will benefit from $4.2 million in funding from the government, according to Member for Murray Adrian Piccoli. 

“I’m pleased council was successful with their application and will proceed with their project,” he said. 

“This is all about creating communities that people are proud to call home and I am looking forward to seeing the projects come to life.”

Work at the park will get under way in the near future, with council pleased to have the many different groups and representatives on board.