Constructed in the 1970s, the centre has served the Canterbury-Bankstown area for more than 50 years. It is indispensable to the community supporting over 2000 people through its not-for-profit services every week.
Upgrading the community centre will be hugely beneficial to support nearby residents in the Riverwood Estate, where 420 new homes including up to 50 per cent social and affordable housing, are set to be built in the coming years.
This funding will allow the Centre to increase its capacity so it can grow with the community and continue to be a hub for the many children, young people, families, older people, and people with a disability who access its wide-ranging programs, activities and services.
The Canterbury Bankstown Local Government Area is expected to be home to 444,006 people by 2041 and 14,500 new homes by 2029.Investing in projects, like the community centre, are essential to helping the local area prepare for this density. The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure will transfer the funding to the City of Canterbury-Bankstown, which will work with the community to determine priority upgrades to revitalise the ageing centre.
For more information, please visit: https://riverwoodcommunity.org.au/.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:
“This $6 million investment delivers on Minns Labor Government’s 2023 election commitment to the people of Riverwood.
“The Riverwood Community Centre has been at the heart of the local community for over 50 years, and we hope this upgrade will allow it to continue delivering vital services and activities for another 50 years.
“Facilities like this which offer services to people of all ages and abilities will be vital to support Riverwood and broader Canterbury Bankstown area as it continues to grow in coming years.”
NSW Member for Bankstown Jihad Dib said:
“This funding is great news not only for Riverwood but surrounding communities across the Canterbury Bankstown area too.
“From social groups and transport services for the elderly to a drop-in centre for young people and more the Riverwood Community Centre is there to support our community at every stage of life.”
Federal Member for Barton Ashvini Ambihaipahar said:
“The Riverwood Community centre has supported thousands of residents for more than 50 years and this investment from the Minns Labor Government shows a clear commitment to building and maintaining better communities.
“I share the public’s excitement as the project moves forward with Council now seeking community feedback on what improvements, additions or new facilities could be made.”
Mayor of Canterbury-Bankstown Bilal El-Hayek said:
“By modernising the Riverwood Community Centre, we’re making sure it can grow alongside our community and continue to be a welcoming space for all.”
“This centre supports over 2,000 people every week — from children and families to older residents and people with a disability. This funding means the centre will be able to respond to the diverse and evolving needs of Riverwood and surrounding suburbs.”
