Seniors celebrating significant community grants

THE Ballarat Senior Citizens Club on Little Bridge Street is celebrating after receiving a grant from the Stronger Communities Programme.

The $10,000 will cover the construction of a new gender-neutral disabled bathroom and the replacement of carpeting and linoleum tiling in the club rooms.

Federal MP Catherine King said a lot of the senior citizens clubs have outdated amenities which need renovation.

“There is not a lot of money is around for these clubs and so these small grants really provide great new facilities for the people,” she said.

The community group has over 300 members and has provided more than 5000 meals to its patrons over the past year.

Ms King said the centre provides an important social setting for older people who might live alone.

“The club has a critical role to play in ensuring that older people in our community are still connected with social services and with the community life in the city,” she said.

The grant was originally going to be used to install a new oven for the kitchenette, however the club was able to raise enough of its own funds to organise an upgrade.

President of the organisation Geoff Pitt said the facility does not currently house a disabled toilet, but one is certainly needed.

“The toilets were built in the 1960s and they really need a good upgrade, which will make it easier for disabled entry and also make the toilets healthier,” he said.

The Stronger Communities Programme has also granted $10,000 to the Victoria Bowling Club for exterior upgrades and chair installation, as well as $7000 for the Ballarat Veterans Assistance Centre.