Ipswich’s first new community centre in 30 years officially opens

The new Redbank Plains Community Centre officially opened this week.

The highly-anticipated, purpose-built facility at School Road, Redbank Plains, will be a welcome addition to one of Ipswich’s fastest growing and most multicultural communities.

Acting Mayor and Chair of the City Management, Finance and Community Engagement Committee Councillor Wayne Wendt said the centre was built at the heart of the area to service the increasing population.

“This new centre has been eagerly awaited by the local community. It will provide, among other things, a safe place to deliver social services and a place for community groups to meet,” he said.

The total cost of the centre was $2.1 million and Cr Wendt thanked the State Government for contributing $1.02 million towards the project.

“Features include meeting rooms, facilities for health clinics, a large deck with kitchen area, large hall that can be divided, toilets and parents’ room and grassed areas,” he said.

“Running parallel to the design and construction of the facility has been significant community engagement to ensure the finished building supports a stronger and more connected population.

“Council’s Community Engagement Branch undertook a deep analysis of census data which highlighted the younger-than-average population and the high number of young families. A third of local residents were born overseas.

“What all this means is that this new community centre – the first new centre in 30 years – is guaranteed to be supported by residents and offer a new focal point for the community to celebrate and come together.”

Cr Wendt said Multicultural Development Australia was awarded the contract to run the centre and community feedback on programs and services will be encouraged.

Local groups like the Redbank Plains Neighbourhood Watch and Redbank Plains Community Champions will also use the centre as their meeting place.