Hunter Wetlands Centre is set to receive $100,00 in funding to help rebuild facilities that were destroyed in a devastating arson attack earlier in the year.

With the support of Glencore, who provide more than $2 million each year to support hundreds of Hunter organisations and events, the Centre will be able to restore and improve the maintenance and storage complex used by volunteers.

Hunter Wetlands Chief Executive Officer, Kenneth Bayliss, said the funding would benefit the Centre’steam of dedicated volunteers as well as the 20,000 plus community visitors and 7,000 school children who attend the site annually.

“Thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment was lost in the fire earlier this year, including a ute, mowers and farming equipment,” Kenneth said.

This was a devastating blow, during what was already a stressful time with COVID-19.

“For Glencore to give us this sot of funding, it really makes our volunteer work worthwhile and helps us to improve the Centre’s overall visitor experience,” he said.

Glencore’s Community Relations Manager, Craig Strudwick, said the Centre plays an important role in educating local communities on ecology and wildlife.

“Glencore first partnered with the Centre last year, and when we learned about the loss of equipment we were more than happy to offer assistance with the rebuild of the facilities and the replacement of equipment,” Craig said.

“The volunteers do a fantastic job and we hope to see the team delivering the best possible environmental education and visitor services for many years to come.”

Construction of the Centre’s new maintenance complex is expected to begin later this year.