Work is now completed on the expansion of the Urangan Community Centre in the Hervey Bay Botanic Gardens to create a wellness and wellbeing hub.

The $1.5 million works was undertaken by local company Metcalfe Constructions and was funded by a Federal Government grant.

Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt said the Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program gave local councils a boost to kick-start construction projects that are maintaining jobs and economic growth in Hervey Bay.

“It’s fantastic to see the upgrade to the Urangan Community Centre today as the expanded facilities benefit local residents and community groups who need a place to meet,” Mr Pitt said.

“The Fraser Coast Regional Council has received $9.7 million from the first three phases of this program and an additional $1,912,057 announced in the Budget.

“This will mean more upgrades to local roads, bike paths, community halls, playgrounds, parks and sports facilities.”

The Fraser Coast was an ideal location for a hub of wellness and wellbeing services, Deputy Mayor Paul Truscott said.

“The hub will enhance opportunities for people seeking to improve their social connectedness, quality of life and wellness experiences within the region,” he said.

The project incorporated an extension to the existing building which includes new private and group meeting spaces that will host wellness programs, activities and services to clients and visiting organisations as well as upgrades to the existing building; a kitchen upgrade, new reception area and improved accessibility.

The Urangan Community Centre has been managed by the Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre for more than 10 years.

Hervey Bay Neighbourhood Centre Chief Executive Officer Tanya Stevenson said the expansion would allow existing services to expand and create new opportunities for our community.

“The expansion will help meet existing community demand for space and allow for the provision of a holistic wellness hub,” Ms Stevenson said.

“We will be working closely with other health and social services to deliver services and host support groups, domestic violence retreats and other wellness programs,” Ms Stevenson said.

For more information about the services being offered at The Tree House Wellness Centre can visit www.hbnc.com.au/wellnesshub

The Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is part of the Federal Government’s $1.8 billion boost for road and community projects through local governments across Australia to support jobs and the resilience of local economies.

More information on the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program is available at www.investment.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure_investment/local-roads-community-infrastructureprogram.