$200,000 grant towards upgrading of Senior Citizens' Centre in Victoria Pk

21/2/96

Senior Citizens in Victoria Park will have even more reason to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their centre after receiving a State Government grant of $200,000.

Announcing the grant today, Finance, Racing and Gaming Minister Max Evans said he was delighted the Government, through the Lotteries Commission, had been able to provide assistance to the Senior Citizens Welfare Association.

"The association, which manages the Seniors Centre, provides a valuable service to the community. It has 600 members and prepares 300 Meals on Wheels for people every day," Mr Evans said.

"The association also owns and manages 70 residential units near the centre which provide quality, low rent accommodation for pensioners."

Mr Evans said the grant would assist with the centre's $600,000 renovation and upgrading program.

"As a result of the program the centre will be refurbished, have better disabled access, heating and cooling and a range of other upgrades," he said.

"The State Government supports an enormous number of community projects through the Lotteries Commission from the establishment of toy libraries to services for the aged to drug rehabilitation.

"Last year almost $35 million was made available to Western Australians through the commission's Community Funding Programs.

"This particular project is special as the Victoria Park Centre was a pioneer in its field and served as a model for the many Seniors Centres established across the State."

Seniors Minister Cheryl Edwardes said the State Government's grant was just one way the Coalition was assisting seniors.

"The Government is committed to helping seniors and listening to their points of view," Mrs Edwardes said.

"Seniors have a wealth of knowledge and it is important we listen and respect their views if we are to develop policies and programs that best meet their needs."

Media contact: Anabel Gomez 321 1444 or 222 9595