Grant for Sydney Shelter

The RSPCA Sydney Shelter in Yagoona was recently awarded a grant for the amount of $48,900 as part of the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership program. Member for Auburn, Barbara Perry MP visited the Sydney Shelter to congratulate the not-for-profit animal welfare organisation on receiving the grant and to see first-hand where the money will be utilised.

The Community Building Partnership program provides funds for community groups and local councils to invest in community infrastructure throughout the State.

“The RSPCA does fantastic work in our community so it is wonderful to be able to support them in this way,” said Ms Perry.

The funds will be used to assist with the rebuilding of five dilapidated veterinary consultation rooms at the 40-year-old Shelter. One of these rooms will be used by the local community, as well as veterinary and TAFE students, who will be able to observe and learn from the highly-skilled RSPCA veterinary staff. The room will feature interactive technology and will be also be used by RSPCA community program visitors, such as the elderly and victims of domestic violence who require vet care for their pets.

“This funding will allow the organisation to create a state-of-the-art facility that people across the area – as well as the wider Sydney region – will be able to access,” said Ms Perry.

“We’re so grateful for these much-needed funds, and we’re pleased that the community will be able to benefit from it as well,” said RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman.

This is part of a larger, more comprehensive rebuild project that the RSPCA Sydney Shelter has undertaken – the first stage of which was completed in 2007. The RSPCA will need to raise $15 million in order to complete the multi-stage project. The organisation aims to raise awareness of this initiative as part of the 2011 RSPCA Political Animal campaign.

“I wish the RSPCA all the best as they continue their excellent efforts,” said Ms Perry.