St Marys War Memorial Community CentrePrint Page

The community centre was erected as a war memorial in memory of those who served in conflicts in which Australia has been involved. 

At a public meeting at St. Marys last night the Community Centre Conmmittee's proposals were outlined to the Minister for Forests (Mr. Taylor) and the Chief Government Architect (Mr. C. D. Rose). Mr. Taylor intimated that a site would be made available by the Educatlon Department as soon as the new area school was erected. The Warden of Fingal (Mr. J. M. Davies) presided, and the chairman of the committee (Mr. C. F. Salter) outlined the proposed scheme. He said the committee hoped to secure the site of the present school buildings and erect a town hall, child welfare clinic and a kindergarten. Tenders had already been called for the erection of the child welfare clinic, and the Government would build the kindergarten. The building of the hall was the responsibility of St. Marys citizens.

Dr. M. A. Walker said the committee proposed to build a hall costing approximately £3000 to £3500 half of which it was hoped to receive from the Government. The hall could be used as a gymnasium and for indoor sport, making it a youth centre, and it would also have social rooms and a library, he said. It would also be equipped a cinema, and rent from this source would bring in about £300 annually. Other functions would provide another £50 a year, so that in five or six years the hall should be paid for. Mr. H. L. Swifte, secretary of the committee, stressed the need for a youth centre and asked the Minister to place the request before the Government urging the greatest financial assistance possible. Other speakers were Mrs. L. C. Wheatley, Rev. J. A. Cloudsdale, Rev. M. J. O'Loughlin, Messrs. P. L. Howard and C. S. Wilson. Reference was made to the difference of opinion that had arisen between the committee and the R.S.L., and Mr. G. Tickle for the league, outlined a similar scheme which included a liquor bar In the league's rooms. The committee was of the opinion that this was not desirable in a community centre which incorporated a kindergarten and a baby clinic. Mr. Taylor said that there was little doubt that the site would be available from the Education Department as soon as the area school was erected. The Government would give up to £1500 for such a scheme on the £ for £ basis, provided the plans were approved by the Government Architect and that the term "War Memorial" was Included in the name. He advised the committee and the R.S.L. to settle their differences quickly and draw up plans acceptable to both parties. Messrs. Davis and Salter thanked the Minister and Mr. Rose for attending.
Examiner (Launceston, Tas.), 1 September 1945.

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