Construction has started on the new state-of-the-art Dawesville Community Centre, the highly anticipated hub that will cater for a growing population in Mandurah’s south.
The multi-purpose facility, on the corner of Dandaragan Drive and Woodstock Avenue, will feature a large communal hall with a stage, flexible office spaces, a kitchen and function area, and recreation areas.
Mayor Rhys Williams said the centre was a much-needed addition to the area, given the locality’s population is expected to double in size over the next decade and the suburb’s high percentage of school-aged children.
“This project has been many years in the making and we’re excited to finally break ground and reach this important milestone,” he said.
“As part of our long-term strategic planning, we identified that Dawesville and the city’s southern suburbs needed a centre that would support a rapidly growing community for many years to come.
“We’re proud to have worked closely with the local community to develop an incredible centre that caters to a wide range of needs without people having to travel into the city centre.
“The Dawesville Community Centre will allow people to come together to build connections, enjoy a range of services, programs and activities, and ensure the community reaches its potential.
“We can’t wait to be able to welcome the first visitors through the doors later next year.”
The State Government committed $6.2 million to the project, coupled with a $2.65m Lotterywest grant, which enabled the project to get off the ground.
Dawesville MLA Lisa Munday said she was excited to see the centre works get under way.
“(The) $6.2m from the State Government shows how invested we are to see major projects like this under way in an area where the population is expected to boom in the next 10 years,” she said.
Over the last 15 years, Dawesville has experienced significant growth leading to increased demand for social infrastructure, community facilities and services. It is projected that the current population will double to 15,000 by 2036.
The Dawesville area has the second-highest percentage of school-age children in Mandurah and is forecast to have the highest growth across most age groups, highlighting the need to ensure services and activities for all ages are available south of Mandurah.
Geared Construction has been appointed to build the community centre and it is expected to be completed in late 2025.