Ribbon cut on Hambledon House extensions

Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning and Queensland Senator Jan McLucas have cut the ribbon on the newly-refurbished Hambledon House Community Centre.

The Edmonton facility provides an access point for community support and Council services, as well as a meeting place for organisations.

Following the addition of a new building, on which construction started in October 2011, the facility now boasts child and family-friendly counselling and interview rooms, improved office and storage space, play-based therapy activity room, air-conditioning and improved access for people with disabilities.

“Hambledon House is an important source of information and support services for residents of our rapidly-growing southern corridor,” Cr Manning said.

“Thanks to a partnership with the Federal Government, we are able to allow this facility to grow with the community.”

The refurbishment was funded by the Federal Government through a $195,000 grant under the Regional Local Community Infrastructure Program, with Council contributing a further $75,000.

Senator McLucas said support for facilities such as Hambledon House was key to developing healthy, sustainable communities.

“These extensions to Hambledon House mean this important community facility can better service the needs of residents in the southern suburbs of Cairns,” Senator McLucas said.

“As Parliamentary Secretary for Disabilities and Carers, I am particularly pleased the centre has paid special attention to disability access to ensure people with disability have not been forgotten about. 

“We want our communities to be their best, that’s why we work in partnership with local councils to deliver local solutions to local issues.”

Hambledon House Community Centre was built in 1998 and was named after the residential estate of the district’s first sugar cane plantation.