By Sonia Isaacs
THE new Beerwah Neighbourhood Centre has officially opened its doors, attracting more than 100 people to its grand opening last Tuesday May 12 and signalling a major boost for community connection in the hinterland.
Representatives from a wide range of local organisations attended, including the Men’s Shed, Rotary, CWA, Caloundra Community Centre, carers and craft groups, reflecting strong support for the new hub.
The centre, which opened to the public on January 27, has spent its first months building a volunteer base and listening to residents about what they want from the space.
Community Development Worker Lauren Barone said the opening demonstrated how deeply local people were invested in the centre.
“It’s not only just the community members coming together to attend an event,” Ms Barone said. “It’s also them coming together to help put it on and help create this whole space, which is lovely. It really is community born and from the grassroots.”
The centre is open weekdays from 9am to 12.30pm for drop-ins, information, referrals and social connection.
Weekly activities already include a Move and Groove group, craft group and a singing group. Several outreach services are also operating from the site, including an NDIS Local Area Coordinator, a visiting counsellor and homelessness intervention program.
Residents are encouraged to propose new groups and activities, with the centre positioning itself as a flexible, community-driven space where local ideas can take shape. 17 Turner St Beerwah, call 5438 4011.
