Today, Minister for Communities and Housing Leeanne Enoch officially opened the Wilsonton Heights Neighbourhood Centre in a larger and more modern building, marking a new beginning for the beloved local service.
Minister Enoch said the neighbourhood centre, formerly known as the Heights Community Centre, has been a cornerstone of the north-western Toowoomba community for more than a decade.
“Prior to construction of this new facility, the neighbourhood centre was located in a 3-bedroom house and while this property served the community well, the building was no longer fit for purpose,” Ms Enoch said.
“I am delighted that the Palaszczuk Government provided $2.8 million funding for land and the construction of the Wilsonton Heights Neighbourhood Centre, which is a much larger and more modern facility
“The construction of the centre also provided a welcome boost to the local economy, supporting approximately eight full-time equivalent construction jobs through Toowoomba-based construction company, Newlands Group.”
The Wilsonton Heights Neighbourhood Centre hosts a range of support services and programs for vulnerable people in Toowoomba.
This includes Aboriginal men’s and women’s groups, Oz Harvest food boxes, community gardens, computer access, financial counselling, playgroup and activities for young people.
Minister Enoch said the Queensland Government also provides more than $591,000 over five years to Safer Toowoomba Regional Partnerships Inc to operate the neighbourhood centre and deliver services and supports.
Wilsonton Heights Neighbourhood Centre co-ordinator Kaye Lindsay said the centre was entering its most exciting milestone since its inception in 2006.
“The new purpose-built neighbourhood centre provides universal access to community members and is an essential first point of contact for people to access much needed services and assistance,” Ms Lindsay said.
“With its large undercover facility, we can be confident of providing services, programs and events to meet the growing demand for social connection and belonging well into the future.
“The building is a tremendous asset, just to be able to plan and conduct programs and events without being dictated to by the weather, is a huge and welcome relief.”
The Wilsonton Heights Neighbourhood Centre is one of the 127 neighbourhood and community centres across the state funded by the Queensland Government.
Ms Enoch said the construction of a new facility for the Wilsonton Heights Neighbourhood Centre was an example of the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to neighbourhood and community centres.
“These centres do such amazing work in our community and ensure that Queenslanders can participate and be included in their communities and enjoy improved social and economic wellbeing,” she said.
“We’re committed to ensuring communities have access to high quality community and social services, delivered from fit-for-purpose community infrastructure.”
