Bridgetown Family and Community Centre volunteers past and present are looking forward to some building extensions that will benefit many within the region.
South West MLC Adele Farina presented a Lotterywest cheque to BFCC co-ordinator Jo Moore at a celebration on Friday, July 5.
The $170,000 Lotterywest funds will put into place the 10-year plan to extend the facility, which currently houses playgroup, a variety of activities for community members, and a child health facility.
The building extension will double the size of the meeting room and workshop space, and will include a kitchen.
The plans also include increasing the size of the office and create a waiting room and reception area for BFCC and child health clients, as well as a new toilet block with disability access and baby changing facilities.
Ms Moore said it was a huge project that had been planned for more than 10 years.
"Today is all about recognising the journey and the huge community involvement in ensuring this project can go ahead," she said.
"We are contributing $17,500 of our own funds which has been made possible because of the fundraising efforts of all the previous committees and coordinators who first began this project over 10 years ago.
"It is very exciting and we are all really looking forward to the end result and how this will benefit the community."
The centre is housed in an iconic Bridgetown building, the old Terminus Hotel, which has been home to the Playgroup and Toy Library for more than 30 years.
The facility is also home to the local YMCA Early Learning Centre.
The building was donated to the community by Swan Brewery in 1975, as it was believed to be a better option to donate it to the community rather than to renovate and modify it to meet the required regulations.
BFCC has been updating the building for many years in the lead up to the latest renovations.
The centre offers many services such as social support and emergency referral services, financial counselling, book club, and a parents support group for families that have children with disabilities.
They also have a number of workshops that cover nutrition, sewing, crafts, natural therapies and friendship groups.
"We are here to serve the whole community, young and old, families and individuals," Ms Moore said.
"The Bridgetown Family & Community Centre is here for everyone."
For more information about the centre, call 9761 2139 or check out their Facebook page.
