Community project rises like phoenix on former YMCA Gayndah site

COMMUNITY organisation IWC is to build a brand new $1.5 million health and wellbeing facility on the former YMCA site in Gayndah.

The doors of the YMCA closed in November 2016, sending shockwaves through the town.

Now, after almost two years of delays, a new day is dawning for the Fielding St site.

IWC General Manager Wayne Mulvany said: “After drawn-out negotiations that started in July 2017, IWC finally owns the site, buildings and contents in their entirety. It is our intention to create a health and wellbeing community facility that will do Gayndah and the North Burnett proud.”

The Aboriginal community-controlled and charitable organisation is multi-accredited and award-winning, delivering a range of health and wellbeing services across the North Burnett.

“The sports stadium on the site is sound and will be re-vitalised. But the current YMCA building is condemned due to a litany of issues, including white ants and asbestos, which make it unsafe and unfit for any use. It will make way for a purpose-built $1.5 million facility with clinical capacity. This will be a much-needed first for the North Burnett.

He added: “We are committed to the region and proud to invest in the township of Gayndah for the benefit of all people, Indigenous and non-Indigenous. This project will be a phoenix rising from the ashes of a derelict building, for the benefit of all in our communities.

“At present, IWC is considering options for development and, pending further meetings with the council, hopes to reach a clear direction around final design and layout as soon as possible. After this has been completed, IWC will hold a public presentation around the project.”

Mr Mulvany said the outcome was positive for the community.

“IWC thanks the YMCA and North Burnett Regional Council for providing an opportunity to bring about improved services for the community,” he said.