08 Aug, 2018

Celebrate 20 years of the North Adelaide Community Centre

The North Adelaide Community Centre is celebrating its 20th anniversary with live music, food tastings and fun activities for young and old at the North Adelaide Community Centre Expo on Saturday 11 August.

Visitors can join the festivities by exploring the centre and trying the showcase of community-run classes. The cultural food village will satisfy adventurous taste buds with food including Indian curry, Greek sweets, Tibetan dumplings, and Spanish croquets, all supplied by local cafes, restaurants and the community.

Also forming part of the celebration will be the launch of a SALA exhibition at the Centre. Uncovered – connection to community tells the story of the women and men of the North Adelaide Community Centre. SALA art workshops will also be run throughout the day.

Lord Mayor of Adelaide Martin Haese said that the Expo will raise awareness of what the Centre offers.

“The North Adelaide Community Centre caters to a wide range of local residents and visitors and is a vital part of the community, providing a place where people can learn new skills and meet others,” said the Lord Mayor.

“It also provides important services to the community, such as access to a JP, a space for artists to exhibit their work, and a community garden. We have many volunteers who give their time to work at the Centre.

“I urge you to come along to the Expo on Saturday, take part in the activities, and maybe even sign up for a course.”

The North Adelaide Community Centre is based in the original Institute building in the heart of North Adelaide. The heritage listed building was built in 1884 when Tynte Street was the high street of North Adelaide.

The Institute had many uses before becoming a community centre in 1998; a meeting place for Institute activities, a cinema, a school/college, Institute library and a space for storage.

The building fell into disrepair and following a call from the community, Council renovated the building and the new community centre came into being.

North Ward Councillor Sue Clearihan, inaugural chairperson and continuous Community Centre committee member, is MC-ing Saturday’s event and said that she was looking forward to joining the celebrations.

“The day has been organised by the current volunteers, friends and regular hirers of the Centre who have planned an exciting open day,” said Councillor Clearihan.

“It will be a day of celebration and discovery with interactive displays of the weekly programs and activities that make up the community centre. You can even take part in a tomato planting workshop hosted by 5AA’s Milton Vadoulis.

“We hope to see current users, past participants and locals all joining in the fun.”

The North Adelaide Community Expo will be held from 10am-2pm on Saturday 11 August at 176 Tynte Street.

The Lord Mayor will officially open the Expo and SALA exhibition at 10.30am, with Councillor Clearihan acting as MC and a Welcome to Country performed by Uncle Lewis.

For more information go to www.cityofadelaide.com.au/whats-on/event/community-centre-expo and stay up to date with the Facebook event.

Paula Stevens