Part 2: Collaboration results in a new facility for Mornington Island
The development of the indoor multipurpose facility in Mornington Island became a reality thanks to various Queensland Government agencies, the Mornington Shire Council and the Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association (PCYWA) working together.
Due to the remote location, high-level planning and project management was required to ensure the project was delivered within timeframes and on budget.
How was the need for the facility identified?
How was the project progressed?
How was the location for the centre selected?
How was the facility promoted to the community?
What advice would you give to any other organisations undertaking similar projects?
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How was the need for the facility identified?
With a long wet season and extreme weather including very hot and humid conditions in summer, outdoor activities weren't always available for Mornington Island residents. In fact, the region experiences an average of 20 millimetres of rain each day during the wet season. The lack of a multipurpose indoor facility made participating in sport and recreation on a regular basis extremely difficult. The fact that the island's original indoor recreation hall had been turned into a canteen and was not accessible to people under 18 years highlighted the need for a new sport and recreation facility. This point was reinforced in sport and recreation plans prepared by the council in 1996 and 1999.
How was the project progressed?
Sport and Recreation services joined forces with the Mornington Shire Council, Education Queensland, Queensland Health, Queensland Police Service, PCYWA, and the Department of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy to make the project a reality. A steering committee representing these organisations and the community was formed to push the project forward. This enabled everyone involved to provide input into the building, design and management of the project.
How was the location for the centre selected?
It was important that all members of the community would have access to the new facility. A site adjacent to the Mornington Island State School was identified because of its convenient and central location. The fact that the school could share an amenities building with the then-proposed sports centre made it particularly attractive.
How was the facility promoted to the community?
Due to the high level of community consultation undertaken prior to the centre being built, most residents were aware of the facility. A community development officer was employed to coordinate community input into the project and communicate progress from the steering committee to residents.
Similarly, local media provided coverage of the official opening, which helped to promote the centre among the Mornington Island community.
The island's relatively small population meant word of mouth, particularly among school students, had a significant impact on the centre's promotion while prominent signs on the building gained the attention of passers-by.
What advice would you give to any other organisations undertaking similar projects?
The centre's manager David Lynch said organisations involved in the development of similar facilities should ensure good planning processes are established so the project runs smoothly. Similarly, he believes that exploring possible partnerships, particularly with relevant Queensland Government agencies, is important as collaboration enables various organisations to combine resources and expertise which can assist in delivering the project as quickly and easily as possible.
Want more information?
For more information about the Mornington Island Recreation Centre, phone Mr David Lynch on (07) 4745 7033. View further details about the Major Facilities Program or contact us.