Work soon to begin on new Thursday Island Community Centre

The new $5.06 million Thursday Island Community Centre is set to boost the local economy, delivering on the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander jobs and frontline services in the Torres Strait.

Communities Minister Coralee O’Rourke said the new centre was now another step closer to reality, with an experienced Thursday Island-based builder selected to lead the construction.

“I am delighted to announce that Robert Clark Builders Pty Ltd had been chosen to build the Thursday Island Community Centre at 156 Douglas Street,” Mrs O’Rourke said.

“Robert Clarke Builders Pty Ltd is based in Thursday Island and will bring local knowledge and experience to the construction of this centre.

“Importantly, this project is also expected to create around 15 full-time equivalent jobs for local people here in the Torres Strait during construction.”

Ministerial Champion for the Torres Strait Shannon Fentiman said that this was a win for the local community.

“The Community Centre is a much-anticipated project on Thursday Island and it’s very exciting to see that a local building company has won the tender to build it.

“This means, from day one, this is truly a community effort and that the benefits of the project stay locally.”

The Palaszczuk Government will now provide $5.06 million towards the construction of the Thursday Island Community Centre to respond to the needs of the community, which is expected to be completed by November 2020.

Member for Cook Cynthia Lui said the purpose-built facility will be a hub for essential community supports and services.

“It will deliver important community services that will engage young people, support parents, families and elders, and provide better integration of services for the community,” Ms Lui said.

“These services are vital for Thursday Island, which is the administrative centre for all islands between Cape York and the Papua New Guinea Mainland.”

Community centres throughout Queensland offer a range of programs and activities that meet the individual needs of their local communities.

This can include playgroups, youth programs, financial and counselling services, seniors activities, interest groups and these centres are often a place for other vital services, such as medical clinics, to visit. 

Mrs O’Rourke said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to creating thriving communities by delivering quality community services through the state’s network of 124 neighbourhood and community centres.

“Community and neighbourhood centres are at the heart of building thriving communities,” she said.

“These are places 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.”

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

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Media Contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389 (Minister O'Rourke)