It provided a home and a safe refuge for many residents after the devastating bushfires burned across the region in 2019, and now, the building affectionately nicknamed the big shed at the Nymboida Camping and Canoeing Centre is set for a major upgrade.

Recently, Member for Clarence Chris Gulaptis spoke of bringing former NSW Deputy Premier and Leader of the Nationals John Barilaro to the rural village several months ago, and recalled how impressed they were with the resilience of the local community and how they had used the big shed during the catastrophic bushfires which destroyed close to 100 homes.  

“But the infrastructure had its shortcomings, and that is why we are investing $200000 to upgrade it,” Mr Gulaptis said.

“The Nymboida community had its heart ripped out by the bushfires, and I hope this sees the start of the rebirth of this close-knit community.”

The upgrade will provide a disaster ready, stand-alone multi-use community facility with a commercial kitchen, independent power, clean water source and emergency communication.

The big shed is part of the Nymboida Camping and Canoeing, a not-for-profit organisation run by members to benefit the local Community.

Director Dave Stephenson said the project would help the people of Nymboida reconnect as a community in the safe, positive, shared space.

“I personally feel immense pride in how our community came together during this time and worked in adverse conditions,” he said.

“The upgrade of the big shed will ensure that in case of future emergency situations, we will be able to provide this assistance much easier while maintaining a better quality of health and safety standards.”

The funding will be provided under the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants Program, made possible by the Clubgrants Category 3 Fund which reinvests a contribution from the state’s registered clubs gaming machine profits back into community projects.