Premier Alan Carpenter today opened building extensions to the Queen Elizabeth II Seniors and Community Centre, a valuable community facility in Geraldton.
Mr Carpenter said improvements to the centre contributed to helping the State achieve its vision of a strong, vibrant and integrated Western Australian community.
He said the State Government had provided $400,000 since 2002 to support the extension of the facilities at the centre to help ensure that the Geraldton-Greenough community was socially connected and active.
“Not only is the centre a vital facility for senior community members to help remain socially and physically active, but it is also an important facility for fostering intergenerational social interaction,” the Premier said.
“I congratulate the Queen Elizabeth II Seniors and Community Centre on this impressive and accessible extension to its facilities.”
Geraldton MLA Shane Hill said the centre was a vital part of the Geraldton-Greenough community.
“The centre provides information and activities for seniors to ensure they have the support needed to enjoy a high quality of life as they get older,” Mr Hill said.
“The Queen Elizabeth II Seniors Centre is the focal point for many seniors and broader community members to meet and enjoy many activities such as carpet bowls. The centre is like a second home to many and people attending always witness a hive of activity and laughter.
“Geraldton is a growing city and this, coupled with the fact that it is becoming an increasingly popular place to retire, means these new and expanded facilities will help meet the demands of the future.”
The centre provides information and activities for seniors that promote quality of life and engagement with the community.
The building extension work began in November 2007, with funding contributions from the State Government, Lotterywest, City of Geraldton-Greenough and regional partnerships.
Mr Carpenter said the State Government had provided more than $14,000 this year for two projects in the Geraldton -Greenough area aimed at connecting seniors with the wider community, in particular young people.
The Drawn Together project involved seniors and young people in a series of drawing and painting workshops to produce artwork highlighting the social gaps between generations.
“The interaction between younger and older community members involved in this project will not only produce some excellent art, but more importantly help to foster and strengthen intergeneration relationships,” the Premier said.
Another project, Yamaji Yarning, engages Aboriginal youth and older community members through a range of interactive activities, including recording stories and experiences in audio and visual interviews.
“Yamaji Yarning is about re-establishing respect between the generations and acting as a forum for Aboriginal seniors to pass on important historical and traditional knowledge,” Mr Carpenter said.
He said the State Government also provided $20,000 for 11 intergenerational projects in the Geraldton area in 2006 and 2007.
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