Work starts on Urangan Community Centre expansion

Work has started on the expansion of the Urangan Community Centre in the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens to create a wellness and wellbeing hub.

The $1.5 million program being undertaken by local company Metcalfe Constructions is funded by a Federal Government grant.

“The Coalition Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program is kick-starting construction projects that are maintaining jobs and economic growth in Hervey Bay,” Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said.

“Every job makes a huge difference in our local community, especially as we recover from COVID-19.

“Additional funding for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program was announced in the Budget, which will see more projects benefiting the residents of Hervey Bay,” he said.

The Fraser Coast was an ideal location for a hub of wellness and wellbeing services, Fraser Coast Councillor Jade Wellings said.

“The hub will enhance existing and new community development opportunities for people seeking to improve their social connectedness, quality of life and wellness experiences within the region,” Cr Wellings said.

The project includes the construction of private and group meeting spaces, a kitchen upgrade, a community garden, an open-air counselling area, a community events and barbecue area, an outdoor therapy and yarning circle, gentle exercise space and additional car parking spaces.

The Urangan Community Centre has been managed by the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre for more than 10 years.

Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre Chief Executive Officer Tanya Stevenson said the expansion would allow existing services to expand and create new opportunities for our community.

“The expansion will help meet existing community demand for space and allow for the provision of a holistic wellness hub,” she said.

“We will be working closely with other health and social services to deliver services and host support groups, domestic violence retreats and other wellness programs,” Ms Stevenson said.

The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is part of the Federal Government’s $1.8 billion boost for road and community projects through local governments across Australia to support jobs and the resilience of local economies.

It is anticipated that the building works will be completed in August, weather and the availability of building materials permitting.

CAPTION: Cr Jade Wellings, Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt and Hervey Bay Community Centre CEO Tanya Stevenson check the progress of work at the new wellness and wellbeing hub being built at the Urangan Community Centre.