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The Kununurra Community Centre Steering Committee is continuing in its efforts to have a community centre provided for Kununurra. The vice-chairperson of the committee Annette McGrath is pleased with the positive response from community. She said the committee sort feedback from people during a Saturday morning survey at Coles a few weeks ago. There were strong suggestions for the centre to have a 'youth focus'. Other suggestions included open space for community activities, meeting rooms, office space, a child health clinic and an occasional care service. Some people suggested the need for storage space for meeting minutes and files for the many community groups in town. Some would like to see a coffee shop with a play area for children. Annette said the suggestions from the community have been exciting to hear. "Interestingly, many people have been unsure about what a community centre is," she said. |
"Community centres are usually built to fill the need in the community, so in other words the centre could be any thing that the community needs. "In other country areas, community centres usually house playgroups, infant health clinic, toy library, art and craft areas, kitchen and function areas, office space for non profit groups, childcare, after school activities, parenting groups, adult and senior interest groups and counselling services. "One of the great things about a community centre is that it can centralise family focused activities and generally hire and rental fees are affordable for non profit groups," she said. The steering committee is seeking continued support from the community to assist in completing survey forms. The consultant will then use the survey forms at the design stage. Importantly, the surveys will also be used to ensure the Kununurra Community Centre has support. "It's not worth building the centre if its not needed," said Annette. "Who can be involved in the building of our community centre? "Anyone with an interest in getting this building up and running. |
"If you are part of a group or body which requires space to meet or carry out an activity, and/or store equipment, then this is for you. "Now is the time to make your requirements known so that this facility can cater for all needs- even specialist features specific to a group's individual pursuit. "The committee has a firm funding commitment of $750,000 from the Department for Community Development to build the centre and plans are in motion to develop a planning team in early December. "The committee has also secured assistance from the Shire both in funding of $10,000 towards the business plan and secretary/treasurer to work with the steering committee. "Currently, the committee has an application in with the Kimberley Development Commission seeking funds to develop a business plan for the community centre. The committee's next meeting is today (Thursday) at 5pm at the Shire office. For further information call: Hayley McKeen on 9168 1677; Michele Pucci on 0438 691 226; Mary Jarzabek on 9168 0333 or Michelle Plume on 9168 1677. |