Hindmarsh Shire Council awarded the park contracts to the Queensland-based company at a meeting in Rainbow on Wednesday.

Hindmarsh Mayor Debra Nelson said as the contract was still being finalised, she could not reveal the final tender amount.

Council received a $200,000 state government grant for the projects, key initiative in council’s 2017-18 budget.

The money – announced in January – comes from the government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Fund. 

“It is really exciting to get these two projects off the ground, and we’re hoping construction can start soon,” Cr Nelson said.

The Dimboola skate park will be in Dimboola Recreation Reserve, adjacent to the town’s sports stadium and Riverside Holiday Park near the Wimmera River.

Rainbow’s skate park will be within the grounds of the former Rainbow Primary School, between Rainbow P-12 College and Federal Street.

The parks will be constructed from concrete, and designed to challenge experienced skaters as well as those just starting out.

Councillors also awarded contracts for the shire’s Meals on Wheels program at Wednesday’s meeting.

Cr Nelson said West Wimmera Health Service would supply meals to Nhill, Jeparit and Rainbow residents, while Wimmera Health Care Group would supply meals to Dimboola customers.

She said customer numbers fluctuated, and had dropped over time, but the service still had a vital role to play.

“There are lots of pre-packaged meals out there now, but that is not the same as having someone come to your door,” she said.

“If you live alone and you are isolated, having someone visit is one of the highlights of your day, and connects you to the community.

“While the number of people using the service has dropped a bit over the years, I don’t think the numbers will ever disappear completely because that social interaction is so important.”