Mr Marshall recently inspected the skatepark to look at what’s there now and what could be achieved with government funding to make it even better and more attractive for young local skaters and board riders.

Mr Marshall has gone into bat for a project that could deliver shade sails over the park and benches to make the facility more user-friendly and encourage greater usage during summer months when the weather makes it hot, uncomfortable and dangerous.

“The young people of Tingha deserve an upgraded skatepark with proper shade, so they can use the park all year round, and I’m fully on board with the push for action to achieve that result,” Mr Marshall said.

“The skatepark at Tingha is a magnet for hundreds of young people who live in the village and the upgraded facilities are something the residents and youngsters have all identified as a priority.

“Tingha is a small community of approximately 1,200 residents, with a large Indigenous population of around 20 per cent of residents.  Around a third of residents are aged between five and 17.

“The Tingha Community Skate Park is a popular meeting place and recreational facility for the more than 400 young people who call Tingha home. 

“Local residents say installing shaded amenities will improve the amenity and usability of the recreational space, and given the popularity and importance of the skatepark to young people, as well as their parents and carers, the benefits are far-reaching.

“It would provide much-needed year-round protection from the sun and improve the comfort and wellbeing of young people who use such an important community recreational facility.”

Mr Marshall said he’d supported an application from Armidale Regional Council for $114,000 funding to install two covered areas next to skatepark with platform benches and tables, as well as a shade sail over the skating area.

The council has applied for the funding under the State Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.