$5 million NSW govt grant takes Hakoah funding to $75m
At Sydney’s Hakoah AGM, president Steven Lowy announced a further grant of $5m taking total funding to date $78m.
Vaucluse State Liberal MP Gabrielle Upton told the 170 attendees: “It is not an election commitment. It is a grant that will remain regardless of the outcome of Saturday.”
NSW goes to the polls on Saturday which will mark Gabrielle Upton’s retirement from politics.
She added: “It’s such a relief, to have this happen ahead of the election. Steven and I had a number of meetings together over the course of the last 12 months. And I wasn’t so sure that that it would happen.”
In his president’s report, Stephen Lowy said: “Please god we will be ready to open this world class facility by the middle of next year. Considering the current construction environment – we may well need his help!
We are fortunate to have two experienced community leaders – Phill Wolanski and Allen Linz – leading Hakoah’s Development Steering Committee, with Rob Woolf as Project Director. This team is using its expertise to navigate us through this complex and volatile construction environment, to the best of their ability.”
He reported that the demolition of the old White City buildings is complete and that earthworks are currently underway.
He added:”Over the coming weeks foundation piling will be undertaken in preparation for the laying of the first building slabs. At that point the new buildings will start to emerge.”
With the opening still a long way off but un sight, CEO Andy Hedges has started to employ key staff members.
On funding, Steven Lowy pointed out: “We have so far raised approximately $78 million including donations of $52 million from over 200 major donors, as well as $6 million in pre membership sales to date. We are very grateful to all donors and members for their early support in making this dream a reality.
We have previously announced that we have received Government grants of $15 million, $7.5 million each from the NSW and Federal Governments.
With the NSW Government increasing its grant funding by $5 million, it brings their total to $12.5 million.
The extra $5 million supports the sports infrastructure and recognises the significant increase in construction costs in the industry post covid. We are deeply grateful to the NSW Government for this additional grant funding.”
He said that Hakoah at White City will undoubtedly become the hub of Sydney’s Jewish community, and a host venue for events, activities and programs run by the many vital community organisations.
He finished by saying: “Hakoah will once again be the meeting place of the community. A place to come and do all the things we love doing together. Because life is better together.”
