Official opening of Jenolan Community Centre in Merriwa

June 28, 1996

Family and Children's Services Minister Cheryl Edwardes today officially opened the Jenolan Community Centre in Merriwa.

Mrs Edwardes said the centre had become a popular meeting place for families in one of the fastest growing regions in Australia.

Speaking at the launch Mrs Edwardes praised the work done by the City of Wanneroo and Family and Children's Services to develop the centre.

"Community centres are a new initiative involving the department and local governments and enable a greater capacity to respond to changing community needs and maximising available resources," Mrs Edwardes said.

"Children under 12 years of age make up a third of the local community and this centre plays an important role in improving the quality of life in the area.

"It has become the hub of the region with a big range of activities for families in Merriwa, Clarkson and Quinns Rock.

"Many Government and non-Government organisations use the centre as a venue to support and assist families.

"Families can take advantage of four-year-old programs, playgroups, occasional and family daycare and the community toy library.

"There are also sewing groups, coffee mornings, ceramics, martial arts, a financial counsellor and a craft group which residents can enjoy."

Mrs Edwardes said the centre brought together people from different neighbourhoods to help create a lively, safe and supportive community.

"Family and Children's Services has a strong commitment to providing services to this community from this centre," she said.

"The department set up a four-year-old program for 100 children last year which has been extended with an extra 60 places this year."

Media contact: Diana Russell Coote 421 7777