November 4, 2019
A soundshell will be erected in Proston’s Railway Park in time for the town’s centenary celebrations thanks to a grant from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR).
Proston and District Heritage Association applied to FRRR for the $54,688 “Tackling Tough Times Together” grant earlier this year.
The group’s treasurer, Linda Rea, told southburnett.com.au the good news the application was successful was shared with association members last week.
“The plan is to erect an outdoor performance stage with electricity attached and lighting,” she said.
Although a location for the soundshell has not yet been finalised, Linda said it would most likely be in front of the existing railway building.
It will be constructed from local timber and granite.
“It will be a very simple building in keeping with the heritage feel of the park,” Linda said.
“It will be the focal point for the centenary celebrations which will be held from September 30 to October 1 in 2023.”
However, the association aims to have the soundshell completed by the October long weekend next year.
As part of the grant, the association has received funding to run a three-day creative writing and bush poetry workshop on that weekend.
“We are inviting people to write between 500 and 1000 words about their memories of Proston, or even share a few short anecdotes,” Linda said.
These will be collected for a history book – the working title is “Proston, 100 Years Down The Track” – which will be published in time for the centenary celebrations.
“Only two applicants in Queensland received grants in the ‘Up to $60,000’ category,” Linda said.
“We consider ourselves very lucky.
“It will be a very worthwhile piece of infrastructure to have in the town.”
Linda said the grant application was a joint effort with association president Nicholas Blanch and secretary Kathy Crane.
The application was supported by the South Burnett Regional Council.
- Related article: Grants Program Tackles Drought
This will be great for Proston and surrounding areas.
Samford has one in the railway area. Don’t know how much it is used however it would be a great asset for that town.
S B Regional Council was looking at portable sound shells which will enhance events in various towns.