St Matthew’s Anglican Church Hall in Ashbury has been successfully renovated thanks to economic stimulus funding from the Australian Government’s Jobs Fund.

The Minister for Employment Participation, Kate Ellis, and Member for Grayndler, Anthony Albanese, welcomed the upgraded building, which includes disability access and improved child care facilities and will provide a central location for community groups to meet.

“The renovated hall is another successful Jobs Fund project, which will provide much needed community facilities to the local area,” Ms Ellis said.

Eight local jobs were created or retained for the upgrade, and the refurbished building has become safer and more functional, providing a low-cost space where community groups can run activities.

As well as fixing up the hall, St Matthews has put in a new kitchen and meeting rooms as well as constructing a BBQ area, basketball area and a permanent playground. These areas are used, not only by the Church but three different playgroups, a Korean Congregation and a dance school.

Speaking at the official opening, Mr Albanese said: “This project is a wonderful example of how well-targeted, local investment can create real jobs in the community, while at the same time supporting a much needed community resource.”

“This is a practical approach to workforce participation that the Gillard Government believes in – an approach that gets real results on the ground.”

The project received over $150,000 under the Get Communities Working stream of the Jobs Fund Round One.

Under the Get Communities Working and Local Jobs streams of the program, $132 million was announced for 172 projects throughout Australia in Round 1, and $39 million for 53 projects in Round 2.

Jobs Fund projects are expected to result in around 7,600 jobs, 2,200 traineeships and apprenticeships as well as 4,740 work experience opportunities.

For a full list of Jobs Fund projects and more information about the program, visit www.keepaustraliaworking.gov.au/jobsfund

Anthony at the opening of the refurbished church hall at St Matthews in Ashbury.