A new $6.1 million multipurpose community hub with Australian-first smart technology features and services has been officially opened in Lidcombe by City of Parramatta Council.
Located in the new Carter Street precinct of Sydney Olympic Park, Yarra Community Centre offers modern and flexible spaces for learning and study with resources and opportunities for residents, community groups and local businesses to collaborate and host events.
“As our City continues to grow and housing density increases, we must continue to provide facilities and services where and when people need them, helping our residents to live their lives to the fullest,” said Lord Mayor, Martin Zaiter.
“Our suburbs are special and community centres and hubs like Yarra make it possible for people to borrow a book, study or host events and meetings in a professional and comfortable environment, right on their doorstep.
“I am proud to say that this centre was created for the community, by the community, and joins our other successful community hubs, PHIVE and Wentworth Point Community Centre, which provide spaces that some people may not have at home.
“Residents will also have greater access to the centre through extended opening hours with high level security installed to ensure the facility can be used safely late into the night, so it is the perfect design for the people living in and around the area.”
Access to the new centre will be via a free City of Parramatta library membership and will be the first library in Australia to use an online I.D. verification system, allowing local residents and community members to sign up and use the centre’s facilities, services and resources without the need to attend the centre in person.
Along with the smart technology features, the centre includes a quiet study area, a library click & collect reservation service for Council Library members to request a book they want to loan, as well as self-copy and print facilities, state-of-the-art audiovisual systems and free Wi-Fi.
A specially commissioned artwork, Migration of Minds, by Sydney artist Richard Briggs greets visitors as they enter Yarra. Community workshops were held with the artist prior to the opening, where the community contributed elements to the final work.
To celebrate the opening of Yarra Community Centre, visitors had the opportunity to enjoy free workshops and stage performances including The Fish That Wanted to Fly and Wiggle, Jiggle & Grow, The Musical Plants, Community Canvas Mural and a Shadow Puppet Making and Theatre Workshop.
The centre will also have after school, school holiday and creative programs throughout each year.
Construction of the centre was funded by the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program.
Yarra Community Centre is open seven days a week and for more information or to book a space, visit the City of Parramatta website.
