Written by Kerrie Alexander
Fraser Coast community groups and residents in need of some wellness TLC are set to benefit
from an exciting $1.5 million Urangan Community Centre expansion at the Botanic Gardens in Urangan.
With tenders now closed, work on the Treehouse Wellness Centre will start soon and includes both private and group meeting spaces, an upgrade of the existing kitchen, a community garden, and an open-air counselling area.
There will also be a community events and BBQ area, an outdoor therapy and yarning circle, gentle exercise space and additional car parking spaces to be developed.
Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre Chief Executive Officer Tanya Stevenson said seeing the project finally come to fruition after four years of lobbying for Federal Government funding, was a
dream come true.
With significant socio-economic issues across multiple demographics on the Fraser Coast, she said the team can now work closely with other health and social services to support the local community
through the delivery of support groups, domestic violence retreats and other wellness programs.
“The Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre has managed the Urangan Community Centre for more than 10 years for the purpose of providing a hub for community programs, activities and facilities, and the expansion will allow existing services to expand their delivery and create new opportunities for our
community,” Tanya said.
“We are talking with lots of organisations in the community from Alcoholics Anonymous to cancer
support groups and general community groups with a focus on wellness, like choirs.
“It will create a community hub, much like what the community centre here (Charles St, Pialba) has become.”
Tanya said team are hoping for a July- August grand opening, but there is still plenty of hard work to be done between time.
While the $1.5 million grant covered the cost of the building, there is still $200,000 needed for the building’s fit out.
To help raise funds the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre will host a spectacular tree house-themed ball at the Hervey Bay Boat Club on March 27. Tickets are $85 and includes a two-course meal, a welcome drink, live music, and an auction where guests can get their bids in for a signed and framed
pair of David Beckham’s soccer boots.
Another special fundraiser is the ‘Buy a Brick’ project.
Businesses, individuals, and families can buy a brick for $50, which will then be personalised with an engraved name and installed in the footpath at the Tree House Urangan Community Wellness
Centre.
Your donation will be celebrated for years to come.
Details and tickets for both fundraisers can be found online at hbnc.com.au.