New $1.7 million Tuggeranong Seniors Centre opens

A new community centre for older Canberrans located in the heart of Tuggeranong was officially opened today by ACT Minister for Community Services Joy Burch.

"The ACT Government is investing significant resources to ensure older residents have the services and facilities they deserve including new social housing and community facilities,"
Ms Burch said.

"The new Tuggeranong Seniors Centre will provide a place where people can come to have a chat, learn a new hobby or pick up some new skills. Perhaps most importantly, it is somewhere to meet friends and reduce the risk of feeling isolated."

Ms Burch said the centre delivered on a 2008 Election promise by ACT Labor, and as the member for Brindabella she was proud of her Government's record.

Among the activities available at the new centre will be jazzercise, Tai Chi, digital photography, bush and lake walks and carpet bowls.

It will be managed by the Tuggeranong 55 Plus Club which, along with Communties@Work, provided input into the design of the centre. In addition, Tuggeranong Community Council and Lake Tuggeranong College were among those consulted during the project.

"This centre is in an ideal location in Tuggeranong town centre for older residents with good transport links and shops and other amenities nearby.

"The views over the lake will provide pleasant distractions and the proximity to an education and care centre will give people the chance to mingle with the younger generations."

It also represented a genuine community effort, with the donation of a large screen television from the Good Guys Tuggeranong and tables and chairs from Bunnings Tuggeranong.