New neighbourhood centre helps Murgon thrive

Murgon’s new $3.1 million neighbourhood centre has officially opened, bringing improved services and supports to the local community.

The old Graham House Community Centre on Taylor St East was demolished to make way for the larger and more modern new centre thanks to funding from the Palaszczuk Government.

The new Graham House Community Centre is the third new neighbourhood centre to be delivered by the Palaszczuk Government this year, following the new Inala Community Centre and Moranbah Youth and Community Centre.

Speaking at an official opening event today (10 September), Minister for Communities Coralee O’Rourke highlighted how the new centre was benefitting the local community.

“This bigger, more modern and accessible neighbourhood centre will provide much needed services, supports, referrals and information for vulnerable people in the Murgon community,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“The Graham House Community Centre celebrates 30 years of supporting the Murgon community this year, so it’s only fitting they have a new neighbourhood centre to mark this milestone.

“A community centre that is accessible to all people has been a long-term vision for this community and it gives me great pride to see this delivered for the residents of Murgon.

“This new centre is already delivering improved services and supports to local people here in Murgon and I look forward to seeing how this community continues to thrive as a result.”

In addition to delivering the new centre, the Palaszczuk Government also provides more than $120,000 funding each year for the delivery of services from the centre.

Mrs O’Rourke said the Graham House Community Centre delivered a range of services including family support, domestic violence counselling, community transport and emergency relief.

“Residents can also access Centrelink Services and No Interest Loan Scheme loans through this centre,” she said.

“Through its neighbourhood centre program, Graham House is well-known across the community for its Walk and Talk groups, seniors computer classes, cooking classes and local fundraising events.

“This centre provides a central access point for information and support, bringing together human services workers in the community to ensure local residents can access a diverse and coordinated range of support services.”

The Graham House Community Centre is one 124 neighbourhood and community centres across the state to receive Queensland Government funding.

Mrs O’Rourke said the delivery of new neighbourhood centres such as Graham House Community Centre was another example of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to creating thriving communities.

“Supporting neighbourhood centres is a key part of our plan to create thriving communities, where Queenslanders, regardless of their personal circumstances, are able to participate and be included in their communities, be resilient and enjoy social and economic wellbeing,” she said.

For more information on neighbourhood centres, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/community/your-home-community/neighbourhood-community-centres

ENDS

Media Contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389