The funding, which was announced as a part of the state government’s 2018/19 budget, was to ensure the future and expansion of the centre.

Meanwhile Bowral Hospital received $15 million from the state budget for a new emergency department. 

Public Health (PHF) First has welcomed the $15 million funding announcement from the state budget but said more needed to be done.

PHF chair Edna Carmichael said the group was “ecstatic” but looked forward to further progress.

“It’s fantastic we’ve received that amount, but the community deserves the hospital to be properly redeveloped so it provides services into the future and meets the needs of this community,” she said.

The investment builds upon $50 million investment in 2015/16 to redevelop the hospital and deliver a new building for clinical services to provide access for patients and respond to future demands for services.

Funding for the Bradman Centre will enable museum admission fees for students on school excursions to be waived, and will ensure the continuation of the interactive attraction for visitors.

The funding will target the expansion of the centre’s research and curatorial services, and expand its youth programs.

This will include Coverdrive, an activity-based program for public school children with a disability, to increase social skills by being involved in sports.

The centre will be able to expand its nationally significant artefact collection, and deliver a women’s cricket heritage project.

The funding will give the centre the capacity to further beautify the iconic Bradman courtyard, gardens and statue where Lady Jessie and Sir Donald Bradman’s ashes rest. This is the most photographed site for visitors to the region.

There was welcome news for apprentices, with 100,000 free apprenticeships announced as a part of a $285 million skills and training package across the state.

While NSW has about 60,000 apprentices, the state needs more to continue to deliver the roads, rail, schools and hospitals projects.

There was also a focus on senior citizens in the budget, with $8.8 million to make communities more accessible. The funds will go into projects including protecting seniors from elder abuse, connecting them to the digital world and easing everyday living costs.

The state government will also lift the payroll tax threshold from the current level of $750,000 to $1 million by 2021-22, which will mean more than 5000 businesses will no longer have to pay the tax. 

Meanwhile there will be more than $61 million invested over four years for an assertive outreach, early intervention and tenancy supports for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Vulnerable children and families, those at risk of homelessness and victims of domestic violence and sexual assault will be better protected and supported with a $6.8 billion investment in the FACS (Family and Community Services) cluster that will help them improve their lives and build their future.

Read more about what the 2018/19 state budget means for the Wingecarribee Shire in Friday’s Southern Highland News.