Celebrating 35 Years of Connection: Livingstone Shire’s Community Centre
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Council proudly celebrated 35 years of its Community Centre in Yeppoon this afternoon – acknowledging the community hub as a cornerstone of support, connection, and opportunity for residents and visitors.
Since its establishment over three decades ago, The Community Centre has remained a welcoming space, offering thousands of residents a place to learn, connect, and access vital services.
It has played a key role in fostering inclusivity and resilience across Livingstone Shire.
The Centre is much more than just a building; it’s a lifeline for so many. It serves as:
• A space for visiting support services, providing a vital location for organisations without dedicated facilities in the Shire.
• A hub for community groups and activities, offering a venue for classes, workshops, and emergency relief programs such as the iCare project.
• An information and referral service, helping residents navigate resources and support networks.
• A welcoming place for thousands of visitors annually, including those dropping in to explore what’s available to them in Livingstone Shire.
Livingstone Shire Council’s Co-Chair of the Recreation and Culture Committee, Councillor Lance Warcon, reflected on the significance of the milestone.
"The Community Centre embodies what it means to be a community – a place where everyone belongs,” Cr Warcon said.
“For 35 years, it has been a trusted space for people to access support, learn new skills, and build connections, touching countless lives over that time.
“No matter your needs, The Community Centre is here to help. Council is incredibly proud of its enduring impact and look forward to its future as a vital resource for all.”
The Centre’s success is built on the dedication of its passionate volunteers, who ensure it remains a dynamic and inclusive space for everyone.
“Council is encouraging any interested residents who share a passion for community support to join as volunteers and be part of the Centre’s ongoing journey,” Cr Warcon added.
The 35th-anniversary celebration at Yeppoon Town Hall highlighted the Centre’s rich history and its vision for the future.
The event featured guest speakers, a showcase of its programs, and an opportunity for attendees to connect with the volunteers and groups that make it all possible.
History of The Community Centre
• The first centre was named the “Community Development Centre”, located in Beaman Park in 1989 – 1991. The aim was to identify community needs, facilitate services to meet identified needs, enable provision of services such as counselling and employment agencies by providing rooms, youth facilities, establishing of Community Health.
• The second address was in John St across the road from its current location in 1991 – 1997. In 1995 the Centre’s name changed to the “Meeting Place”, and more services were added, such as playgroup.
• It moved to its current address in 1997 where it became known as “The Community Centre”. From humble beginnings the centre was serviced by 10 staff. In 1998 volunteers were recruited to assist with the growing project workload. In more recent years, the staffing levels have changed to 3 staff, and 15 volunteers.
For more information about The Community Centre and the services it offers, please visit https://www.livingstone.qld.gov.au/communitycentre