VOLUNTEERS cashed-up with $45,000 will spend three weeks working to transform a Taree a toilet block that attracts anti-social behaviour and its cleanliness and condition is described as "an embarrassment" by sporting clubs.
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The Endeavour Place toilet block next to Manning River Rowing Club is the focus of the next Tidy Up Taree initiative and Greater Taree City Council has backed the makeover initiative by kicking-in $45,000 from its coffers.
From November 1 to November 23 the toilet block will be closed to the public as volunteers step in to completely transform the space.
The project will involve more than a high-pressure clean and a fresh coat of paint the volunteers will knock down walls, build an accessible toilet and line walls with Laminex to reduce the impact of graffiti.
Tidy Up Taree is driving this project and according to organiser, Graham Brown OAM, "it will have a huge impact on the community perception of this toilet block" and "we are really excited about the chance to make this change."
It will be a unisex toilet and "be open, open, open, to let lots of light in and to remove the opportunity for anti-social behaviour," explained Graham.
The community group and council collaboration will make a major infrastructure improvement at a saving to council's coffers.
The Endeavour Place toilet block was on council's forward planning estimates for removal and rebuild at a cost of around $200,000, said Graham. "So our $45,000 funding application to do a makeover is actually going to save council money, which they can then spend on roads!"
Graham says the funding will pay for materials and volunteers will do the hard graft required for the toilet block transformation.
"This is the power of volunteers and what our group is all about."
The "usual suspects" from Tidy Up Taree will be involved, but Graham says the project has "overwhelming support from tradespeople" and members of the Taree Aquatic Powerboat Club, Manning River Dragon Boat Club and Manning River Rowing Club.
The three clubs backed the Tidy Up Taree funding application with letters of support (see link below to the related story) and declared confidence in Graham's ability to lead the project.
According to Manning River Rowing Club secretary Louise Beeton, "Graham Brown and his Tidy Up Taree committee have already made a difference to the look and feel of our town. Their ongoing commitment to make Taree attractive to locals and visitors is highly commendable and much appreciated by the wider community."
Related story: Endeavour Place toilets "a major embarrassment"
ainslee.dennis@fairfaxmedia.com.au