Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke made the announcement on Monday and said having a place to socialise and connect with others is an important part of building strong communities.

The upgraded all-weather outdoor barbecue area on site at the social housing complex was funded through the NSW Government’s Social Housing Community Improvement Fund (SHCIF).

“There is a great tradition of coming together over a barbecue to catch up with friends, break bread and check in on our neighbours,” Ms Cooke said.

“This new BBQ area will give tenants a place to socialise with others, and will help the people who call Stoneridge home to reach out to neighbours who may not have a close social network.

“The NSW Government promised to build stronger, more vibrant social housing communities and this project delivers on that.”

The refurbishment was funded by a SHCIF grant of $18,572 to Argyle Community Housing Ltd.

The SHCIF is a $20 million grant program which has helped fund almost 500 community improvement projects since it started in 2015.

Minister for Social Housing Pru Goward said the SHCIF is an innovative grant program which delivers much-needed amenities for local communities.

“The NSW Government is proud to partner with local organisations to support these important community projects,” Ms Goward said.

The barbecue area is one of eight projects that have received SHCIF funding in the Cootamundra electorate, with $333,910 in total SHCIF funding allocated to projects in the electorate.