Collie's new Community Centre opened

16/5/00
Family and Children's Services Minister June van de Klashorst predicted that the new Collie Community House would become the centre of family activity in the town.
In officially opening the centre today, Mrs van de Klashorst said the $518,000 community house at the corner of Lefroy and Forrest Streets would be used by Family and Children's Services and more than seven groups providing services to the people of Collie and the surrounding area.
"This building was purpose built to meet the present needs of the people of Collie but has the flexibility to meet the changing needs of the local community," the Minister said.
"Through the community house, families in Collie will have access to financial counselling, children's domestic violence counselling, housing assistance, a drug service team and a child health nurse.
"The family centre also provides for other groups such as play groups, a men's help group, a post natal stress group, a support group for parents of children suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, a writers group, a toy library and other self help groups which use the facility on a regular basis.
"The Collie office of Family and Children's Services will also use the facility."
Mrs van de Klashorst said the Collie Community House was owned and managed by Family and Children's Services, with most of the organisations operating from the centre also funded by the State Government.
Of the total $518,000 cost of the project, the State Government through Family and Children's Services provided $440,000, the Shire of Collie contributed $53,000, and the Health Department $25,000.
The facility was built on vacant Westrail land which had been offered to the Department.
Mrs van de Klashorst paid tribute to the Shire of Collie for its commitment to the local community and enthusiastic support of the project.
"In particular, the Shire's chief executive officer, Ian Miffling, who chaired the steering committee, has been a source of great support and guidance throughout this project," she said.
Mrs van de Klashorst said the Collie Community House had been a long awaited facility which was destined to flourish.
Media contact: Owen Cole 9481 7810