The Gungahlin Community Centre has been a decade in the making. Photo: ACT Government.
The long-awaited Gungahlin Community Centre and Youth Hub officially opens on Monday (6 July), but residents and other Canberrans can celebrate the milestone by exploring both at an event-filled Open Day on Saturday (4 July).
A decade in the making, the new centre and co-located youth hub project was completed in May after a 14-month build.
Centrally located in the Town Centre at the corner of The Valley Avenue and Gungahlin Place, the two facilities are set to make a huge difference to the fast-growing northern district and its diverse communities.
Since May, the project has been undergoing finishing touches to be ready for its first major event.
The two-storey centre features a range of inclusive hireable spaces, creative studios, a gallery room, dance studio and a multipurpose hall to host all manner of meetings, creative programs, events and other community activities.
It also offers a large commercial kitchen to support higher-volume food preparation and catering. At the same time, people will be able to gather, relax and even perform in the welcoming outdoor spaces.
Northside Community Service will operate at the Youth Hub alongside its Gunners Place Consortium partners, Relationships Australia Canberra and Region, and Multicultural Hub Canberra.
A facility such as this has been sorely lacking in Gungahlin, often forcing residents to look outside the district for suitable venues for gatherings, celebrations and events.
The local community and key stakeholders were consulted during the planning process to ensure the centre met their needs.
The Open Day will run from 10 am to 1 pm. The community can tour the centre, see spaces in action through demonstrations and activities, meet local artists and community groups, and enjoy food and performances.
A view of the Youth Hub from the site’s outdoor area. Photo: Ian Bushnell.
Northside Community Service CEO Dan English said the centre would provide a place for community members, local organisations and young people to come together, build relationships and strengthen community connections.
“We look forward to seeing community members make the most of this new facility and the opportunities it creates for connection, participation and belonging,” he said.
Public Service Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said these spaces would support a wide range of activities and services, from creative programs and cultural events to everyday community connections, providing a place for people to come together close to home.
“As Gungahlin continues to grow, investments like this ensure local residents have access to the infrastructure they need to stay connected, supported and engaged,” she said.
Ministers Rachel Stephen-Smith and Michael Pettersson inspect the centre’s dance studio. Photo: Ian Bushnell.
Disability, Carers and Community Services Minister Suzanne Orr said that after advocating for such a centre for many years, it was incredibly rewarding to see the Gungahlin Community Centre ready to open and provide the community the chance to explore it on Saturday, ahead of regular use from Monday.
“This is a space that truly belongs to the community, shaped by local input and designed to support people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds,” she said.
“I know how important it is to have welcoming, accessible places where people can connect, access support and build community close to home.”
Children, Youth and Families Minister Michael Pettersson said the new centre, in particular the dedicated youth hub, would play an important role in supporting young people in Gungahlin to connect, participate and access the services they need.
“We know that when young people have access to safe, inclusive spaces, they are better able to thrive, build relationships and engage in their community,” he said.
“This investment helps ensure young Canberrans in one of our fastest-growing regions have opportunities close to home to be heard, supported and involved.”
Bookings to use the facility can now be made through the Venues, spaces and precincts webpage.
Original Article published by Ian Bushnell on Region Canberra.
