Northern Territory’s Wagait Shire Council residents are saving money on cost of living expenses and experiencing better quality of life, thanks to the development of a multipurpose community centre. Located on the Cox Peninsula, Wagait Beach is west of Darwin – 138 kilometres by road or ten kilometres by ferry. The community has 400 residents and is serviced by a general store, country club and Council maintained sporting facilities.
Being so isolated, previously residents had to travel to Darwin to obtain a simple diagnosis, checkup or medication. The community was also lacking a meeting place and had limited cyclone shelter facilities that were inadequate for the growing community.
Since the completion of the Wagait Beach Community Centre in May 2007, substantial benefits are being realised. The community now has access to medical services through nursing staff, and a doctor conducts clinics on a twice weekly basis.
The centre has access to up to date medical equipment and pharmaceutical products, offers health awareness programs, and will be able to provide support during emergencies such as cyclones and bush fires. In addition, the facility provides a meeting place for community groups and social events, and also hosts activity programs for seniors, who make up approximately one third of the Wagait Beach population.
Shire President, Victor Stow, said the need for the community centre was identified by the community in 1999, however with Council’s limited annual budget of $440,000, other funding sources were needed.
“Council began reserving a small part of its annual budget each year as a building fund and concept plans were drawn up so that Council could lobby the Northern Territory and Federal Governments for funding assistance,” he said. “Because of the need to house approximately 50 per cent of the residents during the dangerous cyclones experienced in the area, Council also approached other funding bodies, including the Area Consultative Committee and Emergency Management Australia.”
The building has already proven itself, standing the test of category 2 cyclone Helen, which passed through the area in January. Accommodation was provided to residents who stayed the night until the cyclone passed the following morning.
Victor Stow said a regular Tuesday senior’s morning has also been popular, with residents partaking in programs from growing tropical orchards to specialist advice on health and wellbeing.
“While the centre is also used regularly for community meetings, the most successful component of the project by far is the medical clinic,” he said. “Attendances have exceeded expectations and the objective of providing residents with a sense of security has been achieved.”
Victor Stow said that in developing this project, Council learnt a number of important lessons.
“Allow sufficient leeway if dependent upon grant funding and look at developing multipurpose complexes if possible,” he said.
“Multipurpose complexes are the best option for small communities because of the varied funding possibilities available. Communities should also establish partnerships early in the process to gain increased funding and planning assistance, and also allow for the fact that building costs can increase significantly following the initial planning stage. The cost of this project increased by $80,000 in the time it took to design, develop and gain funding.”
For further information contact Wally Lenyszyn, Wagait Shire CEO, on (08) 8978 5185.
