The Member for Macarthur, Dr Mike Freelander MP, has today written to the federal Minister for the Arts and the NSW Premier, seeking financial support for the Campbelltown Arts Centre.

The award-winning Centre is a “local icon”, according to the Member for Macarthur, and in need of Government support amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Government has thus far failed to provide any real support to the struggling Arts sector, amidst this global health crisis,” said the Member for Macarthur.

“Since the outbreak of the crisis, some of the biggest job losses have been seen in the hospitality and arts sector, yet the sector has been left wanting.”

Campbelltown Arts Centre recently was rejected for funding for the Australian Council of the Arts, and Dr Freelander has argued that the facility ought to be better supported by the State and Commonwealth in these trying times.

“We need to see long-term, recurrent funding made available to institutions such as these,” said Dr Mike Freelander MP.

“Campbelltown Arts Centre services multiple geographic areas, and provides opportunities to many groups including Indigenous, ESL groups and young people.”

Allegations that the NSW Government has engaged in pork-barreling arts funding into Coalition seats, have angered many in the sector.

“These actions are immoral, and really are a slap in the face to South-West Sydney,” said Dr Freelander.

“We have a wonderful local facility which is under pressure in Campbelltown, which has thus far been denied access to necessary stimulus.”

“Yet, in other parts of the state it would appear that money has been flowing; some of it to projects that go against the expert advice.”