- Building works have commenced on the Chung Wah Community Centre in Bentley
- New centre to be a key community hub and build a more inclusive Western Australia
- Supported through election commitments from the Cook Government
- Cook Government committed to building safe and inclusive communities
Construction of the new Chung Wah Community Centre is officially underway, following a sod-turning ceremony held in Bentley today.
The Cook Government has supported the association's project with a parcel of land and $10 million in funding as part of an election commitment, which will support the design and building of the multi-functional community centre.
Once complete, the community centre will include a multipurpose function space, youth space, daycare and playgroup space, and an office space, as well as meeting rooms and toilet facilities.
The facility will also house the Chung Wah Community Care Centre, providing aged care services to elderly from Chinese and Southeast Asian communities.
Located on the corner of Hedley Street and Nyamup Way, the new facility will allow the Chung Wah Association to expand its current initiatives and meet the future needs of culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities.
Established in 1909, the Chung Wah Association is the largest and oldest not-for-profit CaLD association established in Western Australia.
Its current services include Chung Wah Community Care, cultural and interest groups, and Chinese language classes, which are held at six school campuses, including Geraldton.
There are more than 28,000 people living in Western Australia that were born in China, an increase of five per cent since 2016, and more than 116,000 Western Australians have Chinese ancestry.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"My government's priority to build a safe and inclusive Western Australia means people will feel secure at home and in their community.
"Western Australia's Chinese communities have made significant contributions to the development of this State.
"This investment in a more inclusive community delivers on a key election commitment and acknowledges the role the Chung Wah Association plays within WA's Chinese community."
As stated by Multicultural Interests Minister Dr Tony Buti:
"Today marks a significant milestone in bringing the new Chung Wah Community Centre a step closer to fruition.
"This new community centre will be so much more than a building - it will serve as a vibrant hub where people of all ages can connect, celebrate cultural diversity with pride, and inspire a love of language and learning in future generations.
"The Cook Labor Government has delivered on its election commitment to support culturally and linguistically diverse communities in the State, reflecting our drive to create inclusive communities where everyone feels a sense of belonging."
As stated by Victoria Park MLA Hannah Beazley:
"This facility will be a fantastic addition to the thriving multicultural community of Victoria Park.
"The Chung Wah Association has been supporting WA's Chinese community for over 110 years and it's wonderful to see that support will continue through this centre."
