The State Government has allocated more than $300,000 to five more recipients of the Collie Futures Small Grants Program to support local jobs and diversify the local economy.
Two of the latest projects to receive funding address the growing demand for extended operating hours of food service, which is important as Collie transforms into a tourist destination.
The Federal Hotel is set for redevelopment, including an updated kitchen and a new alfresco dining area. The increased seating and kitchen functionality will allow for an increase in products and services being offered, including takeaway and extended hours.
In a unique application, clothes and coffee will combine at Toscas Boutique when it redevelops to incorporate an espresso bar. The new coffee bar will be created inside the boutique with a separate laneway entrance, alfresco seating and seating inside.
The Collie Cycle Club has received funding to hold the 2021 Labour Day Festival next month. The festival celebrates the region’s activities including running, water ski demonstrations at Lake Kepwari, mountain bike racing, as well as food, music and games.
A weed eradication project which uses steam instead of chemicals has also received funding.
The expansion of a local business, through the Neil Fraser Family Trust, will see the diversification of an existing business purchase the specialised equipment to offer an increased service not currently available to the Collie community.
The Heritage Skills Association will conduct a pilot project to develop a recognised training program for heritage skills and restoration. The funding will be used to engage heritage-skilled tradespeople and apprentices to restore the roof and painting works at the Collie Goods Shed.
