COMMUNITIES are held together by cultural, and social activities.

For many residents of Port Stephens the arts are the glue that helps them feel connected to their community.

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Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson and Sue Heath visited the Port Stephens Community Arts Centre to check out the recently completed upgrades to its Pottery Barn, thanks to funding secured for the Arts Centre in the latest round of the Stronger Communities Programme.

The Environmentally Friendly Best Practice Pottery Cleaning grant paid for new double-deep work sinks which the arts centre has installed.

The sinks also allow for environmentally safe disposal of the clay with the added luxury of hot water to each sink.

Meryl Miller told News Of The Area, There will be no more frozen hands in winter!

“The hot water also extends to the kitchen sink.

“No more boiling the jug for washing up!”

Members of the Port Stephens Community Arts Centre offered their thanks to Meryl Swanson’s office for securing a Volunteers Grant, which enabled the Arts Centre was able to provide Fire Safety and Compliance training to36 volunteers, ensuring that each of the fourteen art groups have a member trained in both First Aid and how to use the defibrillator as well as Fire Safety Training.

During her visit Msl Swanson took the opportunity to view the exhibitions currently on display, and to see the great work being done by the various groups that use the centre – which is a real hive of activity.

“Meryl and Sue were so impressed with the huge range of work created by the Arts Centre’s huge pool of talented artisans.

“They couldn’t resist purchasing two items each,” she said.

Members of the public are welcome to visit the Gallery which is located on Shoal Bay Road at Nelson Bay.

By Marian SAMPSON