COOINDA Court is now a step closer to reaching their goal for retrofitting fire sprinklers with the GEO Group donating a sizeable sum this week.
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It's one of the biggest projects attempted by Cooinda Court's management committee since it was opened and there's still much work to be done.
The GEO Group has handed over $6015 - all raised in one weekend during the Rhythm 'n' Rail Festival in March to help the community facility.
Cooinda Court is working towards raising more than $200,000 to fund the retrofitting of fire sprinklers.
The deadline for the retrofit to be funded and completed is March 2016.
Without the sprinklers, Cooinda Court would be unable to continue providing the service it has done for the past two decades as it would not comply with the state government's regulations.
GEO Group general manager Andy Walker said the funds were collected mainly through the sale and auction of wooden toys and art created by inmates.
"The inmates who have built the toys and created the paintings have been pleased with the outcome," he said.
"They know their work is going towards something useful and it gives them a bit more pride in their work," Mr Walker said.
He said the retrofit was an important project which would also significantly improve safety.
"It's got to be done, you can't advance any further until it's done," he said.
"There's a long way to go but over the next 12 months we'll put a big dent in it."
Mr Walker said as a major employer it was important to support community projects which would also benefit the 125 staff living in Junee.
"It's going to be important for them to have this service available for their families (in future)," he said.
Management committee president Patricia Butler said the support from the community so far had been fabulous.
Together with a donation from Junee Shire Council and individual contributors, Mrs Butler said around $10,000 had been raised so far.
To keep the community up to date with the progress of the fundraising appeal a barometer will be placed in town.
Fundraising facts
The GEO Group's donation of $6015 is made up of;
$4335 from the Rhythm 'n' Rail Festival's opening night auction.
$1400 from a festival stall operated by GEO Group staff
$280 from raffles for AFL game tickets
Coming Up
The next fundraising event for Cooinda Court will be a Hot Rod Spectacular at Memorial Park.
Billed for Saturday, April 19, more than 150 hot rods are expected to arrive in Junee and will be on display from 11am to 3pm.