Premier Mark McGowan and Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke today joined representatives from the Shire of Harvey and Yarloop community to open the new multipurpose Yarloop Community Centre, marking a major milestone for the town following devastating bushfires in 2016.
The new Centre includes a reception area, office and meeting rooms, large foyer, multipurpose function and activity areas, medical consulting rooms, commercial kitchen and laundry, outdoor function and activity space.
The McGowan Government provided the Shire of Harvey with $1 million of funding towards the project. The Shire was also successful in applying for a $750,000 Lotterywest grant, taking the State's contribution to $1.75 million.
At a total cost of almost $2.7 million, the Shire contributed the remaining funds to the Centre, which has been designed to retain the façade and chimney from the original Yarloop Hall.
Since January 2016, the State Government has contributed $64.6 million on the recovery of Waroona and Yarloop, including $23.8 million on demolition, waste removal, remediation and a further $3.7 million on environmental services.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"We will never forget the impact the devastating bushfires had on Yarloop and Waroona.
"This community centre is much more than a building - it is a vibrant hub that provides a common space to gather, restoring a sense of community and encouraging learning and participation.
"My Government is pleased to have supported such an important project, which signals a new beginning for a resilient and strong community."
As stated by Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:
"The community of Yarloop have shown extraordinary resilience banding together after the devastating 2016 bushfires.
"When a community is supported, they create a warm and nurturing atmosphere which is felt when you enter this beautiful area.
"I am so pleased we have been able to contribute to the re-building of the Yarloop Community Centre and I am looking forward to it being used by the community for generations to come."
