Community
3 June, 2024
Charity’s success
MORE than 300 people from across the south of Cairns have come together to celebrate 25 years of service at Mission Australia’s Hambledon House Community Centre.
Celebrating the milestone with a community-wide open day event earlier this month, the day involved free activities such as face painting, rock painting, sand play and ‘old-school’ backyard games and disco.
As well as a free sausage sizzle and cheeseburgers, local business Café One served free beverages.
Mission Australia’ Hambledon House program manager Kimberly Daly said the celebratory event was a reminder of the importance of coming together, supporting each other, and creating a vibrant and inclusive community.
“There’s a lot of gratitude as we remembered the many community members who have helped shaped Hambledon House to what it is today,” she said.
“Neighbourhood and community centres serve as hubs of connection, belonging, participation, and inclusion within local communities.
“This centre hosts 39 local community groups on a weekly or monthly basis, ranging from church groups to sewing and dance groups.”
A mini highway for kids to scoot around on and learn road rules was unveiled with Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt cutting the ribbon and opening ‘Hambledon Highway’.
Since first opening its doors in 1999, the centre has been a hu.b for locals to access support through various programs such as Cairns South Together and Communities for Children.
Fostering a sense of community in the area, the centre has hosted countless free events and provided thousands of meals as part of its emergency relief program.
Ms Daly thanked the 18 volunteers and three staff involved in the operation of the centre.
“Hambledon House is such a special place, an essential part of the fabric of the Cairns south community,” she said.
“There’s more to come, and I look forward to serving our community for another 25 years.”
