THE HALCRO Street Community Centre, “on the border” of suburbs Pialba and Point Vernon, is the home to many groups that provide important services to the Hervey Bay community.
It houses the Seniors in Focus Project & the Halcro Street Community Garden along with Home Assist Secure (Regional Housing) and the local community radio station Fraser Coast FM 107.5.
The Community Centre plays host to a range of activities and groups run by volunteers. The centre constantly evolves with its members as there have been upgrades in recent years with the Fraser Coast Regional Council owned facility.
These improvements included new access ramps, upgraded bathrooms, electric doors, asphalted carpark, a new picket fence and painting the exterior of the centre.
Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said community centres were an integral part of our region.
“They bring people together, allow people to try new things, start new hobbies and meet people,” he said.
“This is a place for people to interact and enjoy life, so it is essential it is used by as many community members as possible.”
The centre is also the home of the community garden which is a program that provides participants opportunities to be involved in activities and information sessions on gardening and nutrition, while learning gardening skills to produce fresh fruit, herbs and vegetables in their own homes.
The garden facilities also features a respite and tranquility garden which can be used as a meeting place as well as a relaxation location.
Juls De Ward, Seniors Liaison Officer for the Fraser Coast Regional Council, says the garden plays a very important role for many seniors.
“It’s a location that carers and care-recipients can use, but also for activities such as meditation, swap recipes, share gardening secrets, seeds and cuttings as well as having a place to participate in gardening activities.”
Seniors in Focus is an initiative of the local council and funded by the Queensland Government Department of Communities.
The program supports all seniors in the Hervey Bay community with the aim participants to live productive and active lives, be independent and make informed choices for their own well-being.
The program also encourages seniors to participate in activities and interests of their own choosing that gives accessibility to services to stay healthy, mobile and safe.
The volunteer driven group runs a number of events including The Over 50’s Lifestyle Expo that celebrates Seniors month in October and the Scooter/Wheelchair Convoy.
Music and theatre play an important role with the centre that incorporates groups such as The Forget Me Not Community Singing Group,the Hervey Bay Inspirations Music Group and The Rolling Bones Players.
It is also a community resource for personal assistance, information and offers a community library of books, CD’s and DVD’s.
You can contact the Halcro Street Community Centre during office hours on 4194 2441.
