Official opening of Woodlake Community Centre in Ellenbrook

4/9/97

The Woodlake Community Centre in Ellenbrook represents a true reflection of the local community's needs, Family and Children's Services Minister Rhonda Parker said today.

"Designed in consultation with the community, the new purpose-built centre on Highpoint Boulevard is centrally located and within easy walking distance for all residents," Mrs Parker said at the official opening.

"It provides a meeting place to give residents a sense of belonging and to strengthen community ties."

Mrs Parker said the Woodlake Village Community centre was jointly funded with Family and Children's Services providing $400,000; the Shire of Swan and the Ellenbrook Joint Venture, $350,000; the Lotteries Commission, $250,000 and the Health Department, $25,000.

The Minister said the entire Ellenbrook development represented an innovative community model which related to a community plan that was developed in 1993 with the Ellenbrook Joint Venture and the Shire of Swan.

"The community plan represents an important tool for service providers and creates a sense of community ownership and relevance to facilities and services," she said.

"As a result of that plan, a community planning team was established with representation from a range of Government and non-Government organisations including Family and Children's Services.

"I would like to congratulate the team for its energy and commitment to the plan especially in ensuring that the infrastructure and services were in place before families took up residence."

Mrs Parker said it was also important to note the establishment of a community trust fund which had enabled the team to respond to community needs.

Some of these responses had included:

+ the employment of a part-time community development officer and a part-time youth development officer;

+ the employment of agencies to conduct resident surveys and give advice on services provision; and -

+ innovative solutions such as 'school in houses' while the community waited for the number of school aged children to grow to warrant a school building.

Mrs Parker said the model of community development which had been utilised in Ellenbrook had attracted national and international interest. It had also been nominated for two Community Service Awards.

"It is pleasing that the Government has had such an important role in providing funds and working with the community in providing such an excellent facility," she said.

"I am sure that the Woodlake Community Centre will become the hub for a range of activities for all age-groups."

Media contact: Kaye Hopkins 9481 7810