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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 9 Hansard (29 August) . . Page.. 2803 ..

MR DE DOMENICO (continuing):

A large part of the building has now been economically but appropriately refurbished as a community centre. Work on the building has included the modification of the old classrooms; the upgrading of all services; the installation of a lift to provide access for the disabled; the provision of common meeting and conference rooms; and a new security system for the safety of the tenants and security of the building. The result of this work has been a building which serves the needs of community groups and other tenants wonderfully. As part of the refurbishment, special attention has been given to preserving the heritage of the former school by retaining the murals painted by the students in the hallways of both ground and first floors.

All community tenants from Acton have now completed their move to Holder and the remaining space has been leased to other community groups, both local and national. Some of the tenants now to be located at the former school site include Meals on Wheels, Home Help Service, Diabetes Australia, Sudden Infant Death Association and the Royal Blind Society. I am sure members would agree that the presence of these and other similar groups at one site will provide a convenient health precinct for the area. It is also a reflection of this Government's commitment to providing community facilities at locations which are convenient and easily accessible. In addition to the health facilities now provided at the former school site, the gymnasium, which was not part of the refurbishment, has been leased and occupied by ACT Gymnastics since December 1995, providing yet another service to the community.

From the Government's point of view, the success of the refurbishment of Holder High was a reflection of the architects, the project managers and the builders themselves. I would like to take this opportunity to commend all those concerned for their dedication to the project and to the delivery of what is a fine community facility within budget and a particularly tight deadline.

In keeping with the new image and use of the building, it was decided to change its name. The building was renamed the Grant Cameron Community Centre, to commemorate a former student, Grant Cameron, who was tragically killed at the Duffy Primary School fete in November 1987. A memorial to Grant had previously been placed in an area of the former school that was not refurbished. With the consent of Grant's parents, Rod and Rita Cameron, that memorial has now been appropriately relocated to the front entrance of the building. An official opening and renaming ceremony for the building was held on 7 August 1996, with the relocated memorial being rededicated at the same ceremony. On a personal note, I found the level of community support and attendance at the opening particularly moving and a fitting tribute not just to Grant Cameron but also to his parents, Rod and Rita Cameron.

Mr Speaker, I am sure members would agree that the reuse of the former school for a wide variety of community-based services is a splendid example of the Government and the community working together to meet each other's needs. The tenants at the Grant Cameron Community Centre will provide a valuable service to those in need, and I believe that the ability of this Government to deliver, when those opposite sat on their hands and left the building vacant for years, should be recognised. The way in which the project has been managed and carried out is a credit to all parties concerned.

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