Hub a safe place ‘like Grandma’s house’
27/10/2009 4:09:00 PM
Thrower House – a hub for young people, their families and the community of Palm Beach-Currumbin was officially opened today (October 27) by Mayor Ron Clarke and Divisional Councillor Daphne McDonald.
Councillor Clarke said Thrower House was an example of local government partnering with the Federal Government and local community to provide infrastructure, programs and activities for young people.
“Our youth are our future. They need accessible, safe, enjoyable places to connect with each other and the community. Thrower House is an example of the types of facilities and spaces we are providing local communities across the city. These spaces provide young people with their own place to express their opinions and be included as active community members,” said Cr Clarke.
Division Councillor, Daphne McDonald, said Thrower House was the ‘people’s project’
“Successful community hubs take time, planning and community input to evolve. We wanted to get this right…and we have tried to make sure that everyone in our local community contributed to what Thrower House should be – a hub for young people, their families and the community of Palm Beach-Currumbin,” said Cr McDonald.
“This has been the peoples’ project. The local young people, community and sporting organisations, service clubs, local networks and committees, provided the guide as to what they wanted and needed.
“A safe, comfortable, warm environment – just like grandma’s welcoming home – which is what many young people referred to during the planning and design stage. And, like grandma’s house – Thrower House will be the new community hub for Palm Beach-Currumbin.
“It will offer young people and the local community a variety of programs and activities of common interest and a safe space to gather with their friends, family and the community.”
Councillor McDonald said Thrower house was a replica of the original home built by the Thrower family, who were among the first to settle in the area.
“Thrower House links our traditional past to the fast paced-present through culture, history and community. It is on seven hectares of parklands including sporting ovals, a skate bowl and band pavilion. And it is within a short walk or cycle from local schools and the swimming pool,” said Cr McDonald.
“Thrower House aims to complement the established local sporting facilities and promote equal access for all young people in our area.
It has been the young people - students from local State High and Primary schools – who with their enthusiasm and commitment have helped Council design the house.
“We also thank Federal Member for McPherson Margaret May for helping secure a $150,000 grant for a Youth and Community Development worker.”
