Port Kembla Senior Citizens Centre’s kitchen has had a huge makeover. Gone are the old cupboards, sink and stove that were installed back in 1981, when Malcolm Fraser was the Australian Prime Minister and Adam and the Ants were scaling the charts with Ant Music. Now, the Senior Citizens Centre has a swish, brand new, stainless steel commercial kitchen.

The renovation cost $72,506, and was jointly funded by Wollongong City Council and the NSW State Government through its Community Building Partnership Program. Both Council and the State Government granted $33,701 towards the project.

Windang Senior Citizens Centre is celebrating a similar overhaul, with their kitchen’s bench tops, sinks, and hot water system replaced. The walls also got a lick of paint, and new vinyl was laid on the floor. The renovations and maintenance to the 40-year-old building cost, $36,758, with $7,500 contributed by both Council and the State Government.

“These centres are a vital resource for our community,’’ Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery OAM said.
“They provide community groups with a place to meet up, and families a place to host celebrations like birthdays, engagements and weddings. It’s essential these buildings are maintained and cared for. And by Council matching the State Government’s funding, these renovations could take place.’’

About 300 people a week use both community centres. This includes the Macedonian Welfare Association who use Port Kembla Senior Citizens Centre’s kitchen to cook meals for its members, and elderly people who attend day care at the Windang Senior Citizens Centre. Council has seven Senior Citizens Centres in the city.