Canberrans are invited to explore the new Gungahlin Community Centre at its official Open Day on Saturday, 4 July.
The Open Day will run from 10am-1pm, ahead of the Centre's official opening on Monday, 6 July.
On the day, the community can tour the centre, see spaces in action through demonstrations and activities, meet local artists and community groups, and enjoy performances.
The centre, an ACT Labor election commitment, features a range of inclusive hireable spaces, creative studios, a gallery room, dance studio and a multipurpose hall to host all manner of meetings, creative programs, events and other community activities.
It also offers a large commercial kitchen to support higher-volume food preparation and catering, while people will be able to gather, relax and even perform in the welcoming outdoor spaces.
This purpose-built facility will support Gungahlin's growing population as a place for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together.
The co-located youth hub will be the new home of the successful, community-driven Gunners Place, providing young people with a safe, inclusive and supportive environment.
Conveniently located on the Corner of Efkarpidis Street and Gungahlin Place, the centre can be easily accessed by public transport with light rail nearby and a bus stop out the front, as well as nearby parking and bike facilities.
The local community and key stakeholders were consulted during the planning process to ensure the centre met their needs.
Bookings to use the facility can now be made through the Venues, spaces and precincts webpage.
Quotes attributable to Minister for the Public Service, Rachel Stephen-Smith:
"Community centres help build strong, connected neighbourhoods, and it's fantastic to see this new facility open for the Gungahlin community from Monday."
"These spaces will support a wide range of activities and services, from creative programs and cultural events to everyday community connections, providing a place for people to come together close to home.
"As Gungahlin continues to grow, investments like this ensure local residents have access to the infrastructure they need to stay connected, supported and engaged."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services, Suzanne Orr:
"I've been proud to advocate for this centre for many years, so it's incredibly rewarding to see the Gungahlin Community Centre ready to open and provide the community the chance to explore it on Saturday, ahead of regular use from Monday.
"This is a space that truly belongs to the community, shaped by local input and designed to support people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
"I know how important it is to have welcoming, accessible places where people can connect, access support and build community close to home."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Children, Youth and Families, Michael Pettersson:
"This new centre, in particular the dedicated youth hub, will play an important role in supporting young people in Gungahlin to connect, participate and access the services they need."
"We know that when young people have access to safe, inclusive spaces, they are better able to thrive, build relationships and engage in their community.
"This investment helps ensure young Canberrans in one of our fastest-growing regions have opportunities close to home to be heard, supported and involved."
Quotes attributable to Dan English, Chief Executive Officer, Northside Community Service:
"The Gungahlin Community Centre will provide a place for community members, local organisations and young people to come together, build relationships and strengthen community connections. Northside Community Service is proud to contribute through the Youth Hub alongside our Gunners Place Consortium partners, Relationships Australia Canberra and Region, and Multicultural Hub Canberra.
"We look forward to seeing community members make the most of this new facility and the opportunities it creates for connection, participation and belonging."
