Page 5034 - Week 12 - Wednesday, 26 October 2011
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Greenway childcare centre and the Tuggeranong college. It has been constructed and is currently being fitted out, with the official opening planned for mid-November.
The building is 300 square metres in size and includes a large hall catering for a number of recreational activities, meeting rooms and kitchen facilities. The building will meet or exceed energy efficiency requirements and have energy efficient appliances. Solar panels have been installed to offset energy costs.
Discussions are continuing with the Tuggeranong 55 Plus Club, a not-for-profit organisation, on the management of the seniors centre. The Community Services Directorate is facilitating these arrangements and will provide support to the steering committee for the first 12 to 24 months. It is anticipated that the Tuggeranong 55 Plus Club will take on the management of the centre within 24 months.
I would also like to make a point of noting the excellent location of the centre. It really is in quite a magnificent spot. Being located between the childcare centre and the college, I think it provides an opportunity for great intergenerational activity.
MR HARGREAVES: Minister, what facilities will be included in the new building? Will there be facilities for the playing of music by geriatric guitarists like Mr Hanson and the teaching of Bollywood dancing by other members of the Assembly? How will older Canberrans in the Tuggeranong region benefit from this new facility?
MS BURCH: The new centre will include a large hall for various activities and a computer room to facilitate not only access to the internet but also a place for educational sessions on how to use the internet and how to use computers generally. A lounge space for informal gatherings, a kitchen and accessible bathrooms are also included in the centre. The centre will offer for the first time a dedicated building for all Tuggeranong seniors. The principal tenant will be the incorporated Tuggeranong 55 Plus Club. The building will be open to all Tuggeranong seniors groups and individuals who can use it for meetings and activities.
Being involved in seniors groups is an important way for many people to stay active and socially connected, for example, through craft or exercise groups. It could even include guitar playing or Bollywood dancing should we have a Bollywood instructor who wanted to provide some guidance in that craft.
Currently, Tuggeranong seniors groups are dependent on community halls, registered clubs and churches for meeting spaces. Tuggeranong seniors may continue to enjoy activities and social events at these venues but now will have a dedicated space in the Tuggeranong seniors centre that allows for inclusion of all, particularly our seniors with limited financial means.
Answers to questions on notice
Questions Nos 1781 and 1784
MS GALLAGHER: Mr Speaker, in question time yesterday Mr Hanson asked me, in relation to questions on notice 1781 and 1784, where they were. I am advised that they were delivered to Mr Hanson’s office on Thursday, 13 October.
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