Community and respite centre a focal point for Fassifern

Boonah’s new community centre and respite facility is tipped to quickly become a popular meeting place and service hub for the wider Fassifern community.

Communities and Disability Services Minister Warren Pitt said the new community and respite complex in Little High Street was a real focal point for the town.

“The purpose-built community centre is operated by the Baptist Union of Queensland and has become a hive of activity for the community,” Mr Pitt said.

“It offers a diverse range of services including employment, welfare, advocacy, referral, education and training, as well as meeting rooms.

“These facilities represent a significant investment by the Queensland Government, which recognises the importance of providing services and infrastructure to meet the growing demands placed on the Fassifern community.”

State Member for Ipswich West Wayne Wendt will officially open the new community centre and respite facility today on behalf of Mr Pitt.

Mr Wendt said the adjoining accommodation facility offered overnight respite to support people with a disability, their families and carers.

“The Queensland Government recognises the outstanding job that families and carers do in caring for people with a disability,” Mr Wendt said.

“However, we also recognise that there are times, either planned or unplanned, when families need relief from these day-to-day responsibilities. Respite services such as this one, which can cater for up to five people with a disability, offer a welcome break for their families and carers.”

Disability Services Queensland contributed more than $970,000 towards the new facility, while the Department of Communities gifted the land, valued at $110,000, to the Baptist Union and provides recurrent funds of $77,550 a year towards the centre’s operational costs. Funding for the new facility was also provided by the Baptist Union and the Commonwealth Government’s Regional Partnerships initiative.

Media contacts: Minister Pitt’s Office 3235 4280; Mr Wendt’s Office 3813 0074