Convention Centre expansion brings community boost
Families in need of emergency accommodation will be among those who will benefit from an expansion to facilities at the Riverside Convention Centre in Aitkenvale.
Federal Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson said a $434,500 grant under the Australian Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF) would see the centre reach more people in the community.
Works include the replacement of a substandard amenities block to include disabled and family facilities as well as an outdoor camp kitchen, the expansion of the commercial kitchen space to include a dry storage space, new larger cool room and outdoor eating area, as well as the installation of a lift and all weather access to the second storey community hall.
“The Riverside Convention Centre is well-used by the community for important events and services, particularly those who find themselves in need of a place to stay at short notice because of things like domestic violence,” Mr Thompson said.
“This important project will see the facilities improved to serve locals well into the future, and give more people access to the support they need.”
Seventh-day Adventist Church Northern Australian Conference President Darren Slade said the funds would help the organisation make the Centre even more effective in terms of the services it provides the community.
“With the above upgrades to our facilities we will have greater capacity to meet the needs of disabled and medical guests, families in need of emergency accommodation, education and training programs that run on site and better logistical support provisions for our Food Pantry program,” he said.
“We are really enthusiastic about getting this project off the ground and are very thankful to the Federal Government for their generous assistance in making our vision a reality.”
This latest round of the Building Better Regions Fund has also supported YWAM to build a new youth precinct to help address local youth crime issues, as well as fund the renovation and expansion of the Arcadian Surf Lifesaving Club’s Alma Bay Clubhouse.
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