19 February 2018
Cootamundra Lions Club have taken delivery of two catering vans thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Stronger Communities Fund. The Stronger Communities Fund is an initiative of the NSW State Government and administered by Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.
The vans made their debut at the recent Australia Day celebrations in Jubilee Park. The vans are kitted out with a number of features including power outlets, stainless steel benches, fridges and water tanks. Complying with NSW food safety regulations, and present a professional standard.
Lions club members were involved with the design and the vans were constructed by Sydney based company Luke’s Food Vans, tailor made to suit the local club’s requirements.
President of the Cootamundra Lions Club, Mr Hugh Roberts said the vans will assist the club and local community organisations with their fund raising ventures.
“The mobile street stall van is used on a weekly basis by various community organisations, and will now have the capacity to ensure the weekly street stalls are taking place in a safe, comfortable and up to date facility,” Mr Roberts added.
“Catering at events and functions is becoming a big part of the activities our local Lions club is called upon to do, the new catering van will put the club in a better position to cater for events and functions and be equipped to meet food hygiene, OH&S and industry standards,” Hugh added.
The Cootamundra Lions Club is made up of community members who actively participate in fund raising and assisting other community groups with activities around the Cootamundra region. The club annually donates funds to the Riding for Disabled, Hospital Auxiliary, Nursing Home, local schools, Soup Kitchen, Soroptimists, Scouts, Girl Guides, Men’s Shed, and other local charities.
The new van will be a huge asset for the whole Cootamundra community.
Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council mayor Cr Abb McAlister said he appreciated the work of the Lions Club.
“The Lions Club movement across our region does a great job, they contribute so much to our communities, these vans will ensure the future fundraising needs of the Cootamundra Lions Club”, Cr McAlister said.
Cr McAlister added, “Council is currently investigating appropriate locations to install power outlets in the street to facilitate the supply of power to the new vans to service the community, instead of relying on the generosity of retailers. The provision of dedicated power outlets will also reduce the public risk factor of running cables across pedestrian traffic ways”.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, also agreed, saying the Stronger Communities Fund had assisted local organisations in upgrading their equipment.
“I’m so pleased this project has been made possible and is another example of how the Stronger Communities Fund has benefitted local organisations. I’m looking forward to purchasing some home-made lamingtons from the street stall van and helping sizzle a sausage or two in the catering van,” Steph said.
“I’d really like to congratulate the Cootamundra Lions Club members, for seeing this project through, delivering assets that will serve the community for decades to come,” Steph added.
Photo and caption:
NSW State Government Member Steph Cooke, representatives from Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council, including Mayor Abb McAllister were invited to inspect the new Lions Club vans this week. The new vans have been tailor made to suit local needs and were made possible from a grant from the Stronger Communities Fund.
