Canberrans will soon be able to reconnect with their communities as halls and facilities across Canberra are set to re-open better than ever, with fast-tracked projects wrapping up in time for the easing of restrictions.
Minister for Community Services and Facilities and Minister for Disability Suzanne Orr said the new and upgraded facilities provided much needed work for Canberrans while also bringing the community together and creating more accessible spaces.
“Community centres and halls play an important role in bringing people together and connecting the community. These upgrades are providing real and tangible benefits to our community at a time when we need it most. The projects include an inclusive garden space, security upgrades, new kitchen facilities and accessibility improvements for people with disability,” Minister Orr said.
“They have also kept Canberrans working and kept our economy moving while we begin to recover from the effects of the pandemic.”
Upgrade works include:
- New automatic doors, a new oven and a water filter unit at the Griffin Centre;
- Disability accessibility and other improvements at the Woden Youth Centre, including the installation of grab rails and ramps to external doorways;
- Security upgrades to the Weston Community Hub; and
- An inclusive garden space and fencing at the Pearce Community Centre;
The Griffin Centre is home to the Community Information Hub for VolunteeringACT and CEO Vicky Darling said the team was looking forward to getting back to the office which had only been open for a short time before COVID-19 restrictions meant it had to close.
“While we have continued to provide our services online and over the phone, we are looking forward to re-opening our Community Info Hub because access to reliable information and volunteers will be an essential part of community recovery.” Ms Darling said.
The ACT Government’s Fast Track program has been extended to 30 September 2020, with more new projects to be announced in the coming weeks.
