Published on Monday, 23 November 2015 at 12:00:00 AM
Construction of Paraburdoo’s new Childcare Centre has formally commenced with the official ‘sod turning’ ceremony conducted by Vincent Catania MLA (representing the Minister for Regional Development) on Thursday 19 November.
The Shire of Ashburton, in partnership with Rio Tinto, is constructing a modern, purpose-built Childcare Centre which has been designed to meet the needs of the Paraburdoo community.
Shire President Kerry White said that this highly anticipated project is another step closer to its completion and residents will see the new centre take shape over the coming months.
“It is exciting to see construction begin on this important facility which will greatly improve the lifestyle opportunities for families living in Paraburdoo,” said Cr White. “I would like to thank Rio Tinto and Royalties for Regions who have helped make this much-needed family service a reality for our community.”
General Manager Greater Paraburdoo Operations Gabrielle Iwanow said the project would provide many benefits for the town.
“Paraburdoo Childcare Centre will be a contemporary community facility, that will meet the needs of local families now and well into the future,” Ms Iwanow said.
“Rio Tinto is proud to continue to collaborate with the Shire of Ashburton on community projects, events and services through our shared vision to revitalise Paraburdoo.”
Mr Terry Hill, Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Pilbara Development Commission commented that the Childcare Centre will support parents who are looking to re-enter the workforce, make it more attractive for families to move into the Paraburdoo community and assist families to achieve a better work life balance.
“Providing quality community services and infrastructure to Pilbara cities and towns is essential to the long term retention of residents in the Pilbara region. This supports the Pilbara Cities vision of growing towns such as Paraburdoo into vibrant, sustainable communities that people choose to call home,” Mr Hill said.
The new centre, which is due to open its doors late next year, will include:
- Capacity for 47 long term and 26 after school places
- Landscaped playground and shaded areas
- Modern, safe facilities
- Central location with easy access to school, recreation facilities and shopping area
Early works have already commenced with the upgrade of services to site underway, and Pindan is planning to mobilise early December to commence construction.
The $4.66 million childcare centre is supported by Rio Tinto, the State Government’s Royalties for Regions Pilbara Cities Initiative, administered by the Pilbara Development Commission, and the Shire of Ashburton.
The new childcare centre is one of the numerous community projects being delivered as part of the Community Infrastructure and Services Partnership between the Shire of Ashburton and Rio Tinto. The partnership aims to improve the liveability of Tom Price, Paraburdoo and Pannawonica through the delivery of new and upgraded community infrastructure, services, events and programmes.
Photo of sod-turning, Paraburdoo Childcare Centre
Names, L-R:
Cr Ivan Dias, Shire of Ashburton
Gabrielle Iwanow,General Manager Greater Paraburdoo Operations
Roma Butcher, Yinhawangka, elder
Vincent Catania MLA, Member for North West Central
Cr Linton Rumble, Shire of Ashburton
Terry Hill, A/CEO Pilbara Development Commission
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