THE closure of the Wynnum Community Place (WCP) in early January has left a significant gap in essential services for Baysiders.
In response, the Waterloo Bay Leisure Centre has stepped up, offering free meals every Wednesday from 4pm to 5pm to support those in need.
WCP’s closure was prompted by uncertainty over funding, with the Queensland LNP promising during the State Election to fund the centre’s operations for two years.
But despite the LNP’s election win, the funding has not yet materialised.
State Member for Lytton Joan Pease has been advocating for the release of the pledged funds, but so far her efforts have been met with silence.
“I’ve written to the Premier three times and have also put in questions on notice, but I’ve yet to receive a response to any of my correspondence,” she said.
“I’ve had a lot of yelling from the Government when I’ve raised questions in Parliament.”
In light of the closure, local organisations like the Waterloo Bay Leisure Centre have been doing their part to fill the void.
Ms Pease expressed her full support for the centre’s new initiative.
“I was thrilled when they spoke to me about the possibility of helping out with the closure of WCP,” she said.
“I’ve been fully supportive of them doing this, and I’ll continue to support them in any way I can because I think it’s a fantastic idea.”
The Waterloo Bay Leisure Centre’s free meal initiative has already been a hit, providing crucial support for those in need.
Rhonda Ireland, a key figure behind the initiative and a former Woman of the Year for her community work, has been a driving force in making this program a reality.
Ms Pease praised Ms Ireland’s dedication.
“Her mum is also actively involved in the community. There’s a real sense of love for the community, and they’re working hard to make a difference,” she said.
While other organisations like the Y Hub, St. Pete’s Pantry, and local churches have been offering food hampers and outreach services to those in need, the long-term closure of WCP is still being felt.
Ms Pease clarified that although the Y Community Hub had stepped in to provide services, there was still hope for WCP’s reopening.
“The LNP government made an election commitment to provide $500,000 over two years to reopen WCP, and that’s what I’m calling for,” she said.
“I want to see that funding go through, as it was promised during the campaign.
“I’ll stand up for anyone providing services to my community, but we need that promised funding to fulfill the commitment made.”
The free meal initiative at Waterloo Bay Leisure Centre began last Wednesday, and Ms Pease encouraged the community to continue supporting these local efforts.
