Pictured: Melinda McInturff cuts the ribbon alongside the Hon Mark Bailey MP at the opening of the Yeronga Community Centre.
The official opening of the Community Plus Yeronga Community Centre took place on 31 May, with the Centre being described as ‘the Taj Mahal of Neighbourhood Centres’.
The new build was part of an election promise, and previously the Centre had moved multiple times from small make-shift Centres. “In 2017 we had an election promise for a building to be built purpose built for us. We’ve moved eight times since we started in 2011 because we didn’t have a secure premises in a government-funded building” Melinda McInturff stated.
The design and construction of the Centre was community-driven, with input from both volunteers and staff. Additionally, the building achieved a sustainable six-leaf rating.
Councillor for Tennyson, Nicole Johnston praised Melinda McInturff for her dedication over the 13-year journey, from humble beginnings outside Yeronga State School to the purpose-built facility today, referring to Melinda as the beating heart of the local Centre.
As Nicole said, “We are here today because she (Melinda) said to our community in 2011, ‘I am going to help you,’ and she hasn’t stopped since”.
Jacob Amos and Sian Finn from NCQ attended the opening and expressed the warmth and community vibrancy already very present in the Centre, which only began operating from the new premises 6 months ago.
Congratulations to Community Plus+ YCC and all who contributed to making this brilliant new Centre possible.