Tamworth Hockey’s position as the leading regional Australian Hockey Association is moving to a completion with a $9.636 million upgrade of the hockey centre.

Walcha’s Community Hall will be re-roofed and have its floor sanded and upgraded thanks to a $63,560 Stronger Country Communities Fund grant.

Motion-sensor activated solar lighting, funded with a $270,438 grant from the Stronger Country Communities Fund will help to brighten up one of Walcha’s popular walkways.

The challenges of a brisk winter climate should be well insulated with a $325,200 grant from the Stronger Country Communities Fund to relocate the Walcha Men’s Shed from its current location.

A grant of $272,766 will fund the installation of safety barrier fencing around the perimeter of the Gunnedah Golf Club.

Gunnedah and District Soccer’s clubhouse will be dramatically upgraded with a $340,943 grant.

A Stronger Country Communities Fund grant of $157,910 will be used to install a Sensory Garden and Outdoor Classroom in the Walcha Central School Playground.

Currabubula’s Community Hall is set for an upgrade thanks to a $157,910 grant from the Stronger Country Communities Fund.

Two grants totalling more than $500,000 will be used to create future employment opportunities for young people in Tamworth and the district and to expand a bike trail at the Tamworth Mountain Bike Park.

High school students in the region who are interested in a career in tourism and accommodation are encouraged to apply for a place in an industry-first, Tourism and Accommodation Camp.

Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said NAIDOC community grants opened this week to support events that celebrate Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander history, culture and achievements.

Almost 4,000 seniors in the region have successfully signed up for the new $250 Regional Seniors Travel Card since applications opened on 29 January.

A major milestone has been reached for the $62 million Gunnedah Bridge, with the first girders lifted into place over the rail corridor today.

Grants of $75,000 are now available for primary producers and $50,000 for small businesses who have been affected by bushfires in the Tamworth Regional Council area.

The construction of Dungowan Dam and the upgrade of the pipeline from the dam to Tamworth took a positive step forward with the announcement of key staff to deliver the projects.