The Ocean Shores Community Centre is set to be transformed into a vibrant and inclusive hub for youth and community services thanks to a $300,000 investment from Council, a $141,000 grant from the NSW Government's Stronger Country Communities Fund (Round 3), and a further $60,000 for replacement of the Centre's roof from the NSW Government's Bushfire Community Resilience and Economic Recovery Fund.
"This is such an exciting win because it allows us, alongside the very patient Ocean Shores community, to upgrade the facilities at the Community Centre and turn them into spaces that will expand the operational capacity of the centre and increase the community's long-term use and enjoyment of it," Council's Manager Social and Cultural Planning, Sarah Ford said.
Plans for improvements to the Centre include significant upgrades to hire spaces, meeting and office rooms, a brand new entrance facing onto Rajah Road, more storage, a new cover of the existing deck, a new roof and painting of the exterior of the building. The upgrades will also include disability access to the centre and designated parking.
"The Ocean Shores Community Centre is in a great location, opposite a major shopping centre with access to public transport, and this substantial injection of funding will help it to become a better connected, more versatile and attractive space – our hope is that it becomes a heart and central meeting space for the community, bustling with life and activity year-round," Ms Ford said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro thanked Byron Shire Council for its commitment to creating a vibrant and accessible hub for people to enjoy.
"Ocean Shores Community Centre is a vital meeting space and these upgrades will provide a modern facility where locals and visitors can come together in a relaxed and welcoming environment to learn, grow and thrive," Mr Barilaro said.
"This is exactly the kind of project that the Stronger Country Communities Fund is designed to deliver and I am looking forward to seeing how it will bring together the people of Ocean Shores over coming years."
The Ocean Shores Community Centre has been closed during COVID-19 and has reopened for a short period prior to works getting underway in the next few months. The major upgrade is expected to take around 9 months to complete.
