Circular Head community’s method of turning a dream into the reality serves as a model for small rural and isolated communities across Australia. Circular Head is a small rural community in the far North West of Tasmania. Its residents are resourceful, fiercely independent with a strong work ethic and a “we can do it” attitude.
After many years of planning, the visions, aims and priorities identified through public consultation called for the development of a multi purpose Community and Recreation Centre (CRC).
In 2001 the Circular Head Council convened a public meeting and as a result a working group was formed. The Circular Head Community and Recreation Centre Steering Committee, comprising representatives from Council, sport and recreation groups and the community, undertook wide consultation with user bodies. The Steering Committee proposed the staged construction of a multi use facility at the Smithton Recreation Ground to replace the inadequate existing infrastructure. The proposal brought together various stakeholders to share a multi use facility.
Funding sources were identified and Council negotiated partnership funding of $500,000 from both the Commonwealth and State Governments. To ensure that the project was expedited, Council itself committed $950,000. Direct donations were sought from the community, while a unique approach was made to local industry for donations.
Small local communities showed their commitment and support by donating to the project. Local service clubs have also taken a lead role in fundraising for the centre. The Circular Head Community has demonstrated strong support currently donating $300,000 plus contributions from local businesses.
The Community and Recreation Centre Stage One, built at a cost of $2.1 million, was officially opened on 1 August 2004.
The complex has change rooms to accommodate large events and similar amenities for smaller user groups, licensed bar, commercial kitchen, function room with large viewing area, boardroom, tennis and netball courts and will be used by two Australian Rules football clubs, tennis, netball and cricket clubs. Stage two and three will include a basketball court, additional tennis courts and kiosk and amenities block. The CRC is also available for community events or social functions.
Circular Head Council is working with its community to demonstrate that high quality, shared, multi purpose facilities are a viable way of providing public amenities for the future. This project has also seen a revival of community pride because of the standard of the complex, camaraderie resulting from shared enterprise and continued support in terms of volunteer involvement and financial contributions. Circular Head Community and Recreation Centre would rival many similar urban facilities.
