A partnership between the Western Australian Town of Bassendean and the Ministry of Education to build a Recreation Centre has established a facility of enduring mutual benefit to both.
Manager Leisure Services Bob Evans said a good working relationship between the Town and the Cyril Jackson Senior Secondary Campus laid the foundation for the joint venture.
When both the Town and the School Campus recognised they both needed a leisure facility, but neither could raise sufficient funds independently, the solution was to join forces. Each provided one third of the funding with the remainder coming from the Department of Sport.
Bob Evans said the Centre had become a focal point for a lot of community activity providing sports and gym facilities and also acting as a neighbourhood house, learning centre, meeting rooms and exhibition space.
Generally during school hours students have exclusive use of the Centre while it is open to the community at other times. Further cooperation has allowed one program, Short Circuit to Health and Friendship, to run three mornings per week with the assistance of the school’s qualified Physical Education teachers.
Other programs run at the Centre include Junior Sports Days designed to encourage young people to join new programs, walking groups and activities for senior men. Council manages the Centre and provides funds for capital improvements while the Ministry of Education funds ongoing maintenance.
Bob Evans said the facility played an important role in linking the community through Council. “It plays a leading and important role in the lifestyle choices residents make,” he said. “Groups look to Council to network with each other as well as Council. This facility enables that to happen.”
For further information contact Bob Evans, telephone (08) 9279 5022
