Senior Origin representatives visited the New England Regional Art Museum and PEDAL Early Intervention Service in Armidale last week to learn first-hand how the New England Community Investment Program is supporting local community groups.
The Museum and PEDAL are two of 15 local groups receiving funding from the first round of the program, which offers financial support for community activities and events in the New England region during the planning phases of Origin’s Skye Ridge Wind Farm, Northern Tablelands Wind Farm and Salisbury Solar Farm projects.
PEDAL, a not-for-profit early intervention service that has been supporting children in Armidale since the mid-70, will use the support to deliver a new sensory garden therapy room.
“PEDAL’s focus on early childhood intervention will be enhanced by the development of a sensory garden that will be designed to support individuals facing emotional, cognitive and sensory challenges.” said PEDAL’s Vice-President, Craig Pevitt.
Armidale’s New England Regional Art Museum (NEARM), home to one of the nation’s most significant art collections outside the capital cities, will use the support to continue their work with the Craft and Community Development Foundation in India and the development of the Gondwana Art Project which celebrates Indian and Australian indigenous contemporary art.
“Origin’s support will help the New England Regional Art Museum continue our tradition of providing our regional audiences with access to nationally and internationally significant art and cultural education.” said NERAM’s Director, Rachael Parsons.
“Through the Gondwana Art Project we hope to present a bold program of exhibitions, education programs, and public events that will highlight the stunning similarities between Indian tribal art and Aboriginal art in Australia.”
Origin’s New England Community Investment Program targets four focus areas – community wellbeing, community resilience, economic development and the environment.
For further information on the Program and Origin New England renewable energy development projects, visit: www.originnewengland.com.au.