Ulverstone’s iconic Slipstream Circus’ dream for its own purpose-built facility is set to become a reality with a $1.5 million commitment from a re-elected Liberal Government.

Making the announcement at the circus’ end-of-term showcase, Federal Member for Braddon Gavin Pearce said that this investment will ensure that the organisation will grow and thrive for generations to come.

“Who doesn’t want to run away to the circus? And thanks to Slipstream, for the last 20-years we’ve only had to go as far as Ulverstone,” Mr Pearce said.

“Right up and down our region, there are now two generations of kids who have had the chance to build confidence, discover who they are, work within a team and learn a stack of fancy tricks along the way. That’s all thanks to the tireless efforts of the crew at Slipstream Circus.

“I fight every day to ensure that Braddon receives the investment it deserves. Since my election, more than 700 projects have been delivered across the region, injecting more than $1 billion into our local communities.

“This funding continues my strategic plan to make our region more prosperous and connected.

“Ever since we delivered our last round of major projects into the Central Coast region - including Hive and the Penguin foreshore remediation project - I’ve been discussing with the Mayor and General Manager about what’s next. Top of their list was this project. If it’s important to them and their community, then it’s important to me, so I have been fighting hard to secure the funding ever since.”

General Manager of Slipstream Circus, Clare Spillman, said that the only limitation facing performers at the moment was the limitation of space.

“A larger space will enable us to develop programs that better reflect our community needs. Programs for aged care, youth at risk, hidden disabilities and all ability groups cannot be provided in the current space,” Ms Spillman said.

“A larger building will allow us to expand our timetable and make programs available to all members of our community.

“The opportunity to bring artists from all around the world, to work with our students and our wider community, is exciting and will be a real possibility when we have a purpose-built facility.”

General Manager of the Central Coast Council, Sandra Ayton, said the Council fully supports a purpose-built building for Slipstream Circus, which will not only benefit the Central Coast but Tasmania as a whole.

“Gavin Pearce recognises the importance of this project for our youth and especially the importance of investing in programs that positively impact mental health. Slipstream Circus has a proven model that supports our community and I’m pleased the federal government has recognised that.”

“Our region has always been very much about sport. But now with Hive and this funding for Slipstream we are ensuring there is a balance with arts and culture.”