More than $10,000 has been added to the funds for the Armidale Dumaresq Civic Precinct (ADCP) by the committee, trustees and precinct volunteers.
Chair of the ADCP committee, Judith Ross-Smith, said it was crucial that, before the committee asked the public for donations, they should demonstrate they were not only prepared to work, but also to commit themselves financially.
“I was very pleased with the result, we have a few ‘Ruby’ donors in there as well, and that adds to the original ‘Ruby’ donation from Mr and Mrs Dennes Fayle,” said Judith Ross-Smith.
To become a ‘Ruby donor’ you need to give $1000, and there is a range of recognitions for donors of higher amounts. For instance a donor of $250,000 would be a ‘Benefactor’ and named on an honour board unless they chose to be anonymous.
“We have now set up a fundraising sub-committee that will be working on events to raise money from the community.
“The first will be A Christmas Carol in July that will celebrate the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens’ birth.
“Work is already in progress to make this the event of the season.
“Ideas such as a popular concert with some big names, and a multicultural food and entertainment expo are in the pipeline.
“It is vital the community feels they have an ownership in the civic precinct, and in fact, if we do not raise local funds, then it will be impossible to persuade governments we are serious about the project,” she said.
There are many ways, apart from attending events, to which members of the public can contribute. A committee including architect Tony Deakin, a member of the ADCP committee, has met to determine the cost of components within the library and in the grounds of the complex. These were available to individuals and groups to purchase ‘naming rights’.
For instance you can ‘buy’ a paver in Cinders Park for $400, or fund a park bench for $1500. Other options include a ‘reading chair’ ($1000), a ‘general public chair’ ($500), or a shelving bay ($1000). Contributors’ names would be identified on a plaque on the piece of equipment.
Details of naming rights for the performing arts centre will be formulated later when Stage 1 (the library) is built and designs are prepared for the theatre complex.
“One very easy and inexpensive way to have your name recorded and help build the precinct is to ‘buy a brick’ and have your name on a virtual brick on the web site. It is only $20 and fun to do,” said Judith.
“Make a contribution to the future economic and social welfare of Armidale by being part of the building of the Civic Precinct, and you have the benefit of a tax deduction as well. So visit the website www.armidalecivic.org.au and put your name into our history.”
