Community hub proposed
Two respected indigenous advocates are calling on the State Government to turn a Mooroobool site into a community hub in a bid to tackle ongoing issues in Cairns’ western suburbs. Aborigines and Torres Strait Islander Youth Welfare Corporation chairman Terry O’Shane and Choice Australia Management chief executive Todd Hartley have proposed turning the 20,000 sqm Irene St site into the community centre hosting various community groups and services.
TWO respected indigenous advocates are calling on the State Government to back a plan to turn a Mooroobool site into a community hub in a bid to tackle ongoing issues in Cairns’ western suburbs.
Aborigines and Torres Strait Islander Youth Welfare Corporation chairman Terry O’Shane and Choice Australia Management chief executive Todd Hartley have proposed turning the 20,000sq m Irene St site into the “We Belong” Community Centre hosting various community groups and services, possibly including a Police Beat.
Mr O’Shane owns the land which includes a building and undercover shelter, but the pair say they need government funding to run the programs which could include support for domestic violence, drug and alcohol use and unemployment.
Mr Hartley said they had written up a proposal requesting $420,000 a year and believed the benefits to the community would be huge.
“We could create a valuable space that members of the community could utilise.
Mr O’Shane said following the release of the Smallbone Report last year, which revealed serious issues in both western Cairns and Aurukun, more funding was needed in the area.
“It is located in the middle of four of the most deprived suburbs in Cairns,” he said.
Cairns MP Rob Pyne has backed the proposal. “It can help with everything from law and order to better employment outcomes,” he said.
Treasurer and Mulgrave MP Curtis Pitt said he would be happy to look at a formal business case for the proposal.
“There’s a need for all levels of government to continue to support programs to address unemployment and social cohesion,” he said.
“I made the difficult decision to release the (Smallbone Report) with the express intent of facilitating an open conversation about solutions to some of the most shocking social challenges we face.”