Northparkes Mines community and external relations advisor Brooke Lees was a welcome guest at the Forbes club’s regular Tuesday morning games this week, after helping secure a $2500 grant to repair the formerly dilapidated store rooms and clubhouse.

The renovated clubhouse was officially opened in May, but prior to the repairs had not been used for 10 years and had suffered at the hands of vandals. 

Forbes Shire Council provided better security for the building, and the mine’s grant and some club fundraising allowed for a full renovation, making it a very presentable area for club members to gather for games every Tuesday and Saturday at 9am. 

The club raised a total of $2,780.50 through raffles and 100 clubs and received a $2500 grant from Northparkes’ community investment program.

Brooke Lees said the program was open to community groups in both Forbes and Parkes shires and other regions surrounding the mine.

Two rounds of funding are allocated each year, with applications for the second round of 2014 to close on October 31. Application forms are available at www.northparkes.com or contact Forbes Shire Council’s grants officer Rachel Lilley.

Meanwhile, Northparkes Mines this week confirmed it has received approval to continue operations for another seven years, extending the mine’s life to 2032.