BEHIND the scenes work continues on the Penola Town Square, as working group members focus on grant applications to push the project into action.
The Penola Town Square Working Group was formed in August last year following the public meeting held in July.
The group is consultative to Wattle Range Council and its members consist of Penola and District Business and Tourism Association (PADBATA) and Wattle Range Council representatives as well as interested community members.
Former PADBATA president and local business owner Catherine Robinson is the working group chairperson with vigneron Doug Balnaves as deputy chairperson and Penola artist Anne Johnson as secretary.
Other members include Cate Bell, Di Williams, Peter Rymill, Rhett McDonald, Kasey Morton, Dean Davis, Riddoch Ward councillor Dean Burrow, Wattle Range Council chief executive officer Ben Gower and council engineering services director Peter Halton.
The group have been busy researching designs and suppliers for the various items which will make up the square.
These include an entrance statement, drainage, electrical outlets, pavers and other surface options, shade structures, tables and benches, planter boxes and stage.
Ms Johnson said the group had applied for grants to help assist the project’s funding.
“While it may look as though nothing much is happening to progress the Penola Town Square, you can be assured a lot is happening behind the scenes,” she said.
“We have been getting quotes and researching potential grant possibilities.
“The group have applied for two grants to date but unfortunately missed out on the grant for an entrance statement.”
She said the group was hopeful for a grant to fund the surface.
“We are awaiting the response for another grant to fund commemorative walk pavers which is expected around the end of June,” Ms Johnson said.
“The main grant we are applying for will not be called for until the end of the year so we have high hopes for that one.”
Wattle Range Council will cover infrastructure costs involving drainage, electricity outlets and surface preparation.
“It is a lot of work for the group to get the quotes and do the grant applications,” Ms Johnson said.
“We hope the community understands we can only proceed as the funds become available.
“If you have ideas for potential grants or funding sources, please do not hesitate to contact any of the members of the working group.”
She said it was a positive step forward to see the square utilised during the recent Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival.
The Before I Die chalkboard, letter writing caravan pop-up and Penola Pipe Band all appeared in the square throughout the festival weekend.
“We had some very positive comments,” Ms Johnson said.
“Especially from the Penola Pipe Band who said the acoustics were really good in the space.”
