Residents and visitors to Glen Innes will soon have an upgraded picnic shelter to enjoy at Centennial Parklands, thanks to a $44,000 grant from the New South Wales Government.
The funding, provided through the Local Small Commitment Allocation (LSCA) program, will support the replacement of the ageing picnic shelter with a modern and accessible facility. The LSCA program aims to enhance local communities by supporting a range of initiatives, including park and playground upgrades, events, and essential services.
Member for Northern Tablelands, Brendan Moylan, recently visited Centennial Parklands to inspect the current shelter and highlighted the importance of the project.
“Centennial Parklands is a popular park for both tourists and locals to the Glen Innes community,” he said.
“It is home to the Australian Standing Stones and the Glen Innes Highlands Skywalk, which brings thousands of people to the facility every year.
“The Crofters Cottage café will also be reopening soon, so having an upgraded and usable picnic shelter will be a big benefit to all visitors.
“I am pleased that this funding has been secured, and congratulations to Glen Innes Severn Council for their successful application in the LSCA program to improve this important facility.”
Centennial Parklands is also the venue for Glen Innes’ biggest annual event, the Australian Celtic Festival.
Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor, Margot Davis, said the grant would contribute to improving community facilities.
“Grant funding provides Council opportunities to improve amenities for our community and for those that visit,” she said.
“Alongside the other upgrades to the toilet block and Crofters Cottage, this is another precinct development project for Centennial Parklands that uplifts the usage and experience.”
Council’s Director of Place and Growth, Riarna Sheridan, added that the new shelter would benefit visitors year-round, including those attending the Australian Celtic Festival.
“The project will benefit thousands of annual tourists and visitors, attracting them to choose Centennial Parklands for stays and stopovers, as well as generating potential positive economic effects for local businesses from short-stay visitors,” she said.
“Annual Australian Celtic Festival attendees will benefit from the covered picnic shelter.
“The local community will also benefit through the ability to have day outings, outdoor meetings, celebrations, or family get-togethers at the shelter.
“The selected shelter will be conveniently located close to the 2024 upgraded amenities building and children’s playground, Crofters Cottage Café, and the Australian Standing Stones monument.”
The project is scheduled for completion by 18 February 2026.
