Wentworth Shire Council has been granted more than $2 million under the New South Wales Resources for Regions program to deliver infrastructure improvements and programs across the Shire.

Six projects received funding under the program, announced by Duty Member of the Legislative Council Wes Fang on Thursday.

This included:

300,000 to install a new toilet block and rising sewer line at the newly created Buronga Riverfront Nature Play area.

$374,000 to build an all-weather surface shared-way from the Buronga Wetlands to the newly created Buronga Riverfront Nature Play area.

$300,000 to seal a car park and road around the northern oval at the George Gordon Sporting Complex in Dareton.

$400,000 to upgrade 2 reserves comprising of a new retaining wall, upgraded stairs and paths at James King Park Gol Gol and commencement of pathway formalisation on Junction Island Wentworth.

$385,129 towards the construction of a purpose built 40 x 50m Men’s Shed.

$292,300 to install a new toilet and amenities block at the Pooncarie camping grounds.

“I am excited to see these projects in Wentworth and surrounds come to fruition as they will have a real benefit to locals as well as visitors,” Mr Fang said.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said Resources for Regions has been highly successful with Rounds One through to Seven delivering 149 projects worth $345 million to communities since 2012.

Meet Lexi Stockman, Wentworth Shire Council’s Manager Tourism and Promotion.

After growing up in Loxton in South Australia’s Riverland for most of her life, Lexi moved to Mildura around eight years ago after completing her university degree in Adelaide.

Since then her career has mostly been spent at Mildura Central Shopping Centre as the Retail Marketing Manager from 2016 to 2021 followed by a short stint in Event Management.

Lexi said working for many years to create Mildura Central into an ideal destination for people to meet, shop and dine has given her the skills and expertise necessary to assist in evolving the Wentworth Shire into a top destination for locals and tourists.

“My aim within my new role of Manager Tourism and Promotion is to work with the local communities to create opportunities for tourism, focus on completing our upcoming major projects and ensuring they are successfully marketed to potential tourists to increase economic growth in the region,” she said.

“I’m very passionate about tourism and travel and I’m always looking out for new ideas to put into play as a point of difference for our region. “

Lexi believes Wentworth Shire can become an ideal destination in itself, catering for all walks of life from single travellers to families to retirees.

“This will be achieved by promoting and preserving our beautiful natural attractions, hosting various events and continuing to bring new and exciting projects to life,” Lexi said.

“I’m very excited to be on board and can’t wait to see what the future holds for tourism in the Shire within the next few years and beyond.”

Council continues to recruit personnel to fill the vacancies within the approved structure adopted by Council in February 2020.

Over $24,000.00 has been allocated during the first round of Councils 2021/22 Donations, Contributions and Grants Program.

Successful applicants approved at the August Wentworth Shire Ordinary Council Meeting were

• Wentworth District Rowing Club

• Pooncarie Field Day Group Inc

• Wentworth Military Collection

• Sunraysia Aeromodellers Inc

• Wentworth Rifle Club

• Pomona Public School P&C Association

• Pooncarie Racing Club Inc

The program was established to assist community groups through donations, rate reductions and exemptions, fee waivers, cash grants and in-kind support.