Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls today formally launched the final stage of Fairbridge’s $16.5million redevelopment program at its Pinjarra village.

This project received the largest funding grant under Round 1 of the Royalties for Regions, Peel Regional Grants Scheme, being a total of $1,820,180 over three years. 

The Regional Grants Scheme is an initiative of Royalties for Regions to improve economic and community infrastructure and services in regional Western Australia.

The Multi-use and Environment Centre is the most significant of the 10 capital works projects that comprise Stage 7 of the Fairbridge Village redevelopment.  The facility will include a reception and kiosk, wet laboratory, 60-seat theatrette, 540-seat multi-use area, a serving kitchen, office space for 20 staff, recording studio, a 90 square metre display area and a computer nook.

“Fairbridge is well known for its work with youth, including indigenous young people and those at risk”, Mr Grylls said.

“Its training and development work is highly regarded and this project will greatly expand the educational and recreational opportunities available at Fairbridge.

“It is particularly pleasing that funding from the Royalties for Regions program has enabled Fairbridge to leverage additional funding for their redevelopment. 

“This is a prime example of the intent of the Royalties for Regions program in providing funding for regional WA to assist communities and in this case focus on training and development of young people.”

Lotterywest contributed more than $500,000 to the redevelopment and $1.4million also came from the Federal Government’s Teach and Learning Capital Fund for Vocational Education and Training.

During construction of the centre, Fairbridge will directly employ 14 staff, of which one will be an indigenous Carpenter/Trainer, two will be indigenous painting apprentices and four will be indigenous carpentry apprentices.

A further eight students involved in Certificate II General Construction will also be involved in the project.