YARRABILBA’S new $3.6 million Family and Community Place threw open its doors to the public for the first time today, Monday, October 8.
There were tiny tots everywhere – in the sandpit, riding trikes and scooters, playing with toys or snuggling with mums in book nooks – just as it should be.
Families with young children will be the major beneficiaries of the hub, designed to ensure local families get the support they need to give children the best start in life.
“It’s awesome,” said centre manager Oswin Fainga’a.
“It’s great to see the place full of people and see them enjoy the space.”
The Queensland government paid for construction, bringing the project together from inception to build in just nine months off the back of soaring enrollments at adjoining Yarrabilba State Primary School, nearby St Clare’s and Logan Village.
The Community Hub and Partnerships program brought together industry, government and community groups to deliver services.
Children’s Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service will manage and coordinate service delivery for the first 12 months. Executive director Frank Tracey said the centre would be a meeting place to develop neighbourhood connections and access health and learning support.
“By co-locating services and providing programs that support early childhood and health development, we are helping families … give children the best start in life,” he said.
Services that will roll out include visits from child health nurses, immunisation, Justices of the Peace, officers from the Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages, playgroup, early learning and literacy programs, bike-fixing shed, book exchange and toy library.
Logan MP Linus Power invited parents to visit and enjoy the facility’s homely comforts.
“Bring the kids, spend some time here, maybe read them a book,” he said.
“We’ve got a great foundation here in this community hub and now we’ll develop services that will connect the community better … This will be an important place for families, a place where we can host services and provide some fun.”
Cr Laurie Koranski lobbied hard to bring the centre to Yarrabilba.
“I am proud to be standing here in a family and community place that feels like home. A lot of people worked hard to bring this to life,” she said.
Queensland Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Minister Cameron Dick said he was proud of his association with the centre.
“It took just nine months from inception and construction to welcoming the community in,” he said.
“Some of the challenges facing this community are the distance from major centres, a rapidly growing community with lots of young families, and access to transport and employment opportunities.”