Cedric Davies Community Hub Officially Opens

Ms Cynthia Lui, Member for Cook has officially opened the Cedric Davies Community Hub in Mareeba.

The opening marks the completion of a major project by Mareeba Shire Council, made possible with funding provided by the State and Federal Governments.

Mareeba Shire Mayor Angela Toppin explained the importance of the project to Mareeba. “The Cedric Davies Community Hub is significant to the Mareeba community in many ways. Firstly, the facility is named in honour of the late Cedric Davies who served our community as a councillor for 23 years, with 15 years as shire chairman.”

An Order of Australia medal recipient, Mr Davies was also an active Rotarian for 51 years and was instrumental in the completion of many significant community projects which still benefit the Mareeba community to this day.

“The Cedric Davies Community Hub incorporates a new library, community hall, bowls clubhouse and covered bowling green in a combined facility and has been designed with the future in mind.”

With funding through the Queensland Government’s Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program and Works for Queensland Program, and the Australian Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program this three-stage project includes modifications to the main building and construction of a new bowls clubhouse and synthetic covered bowling green.

The first and second stages, completed during 2020, involved the design and construction of an improved bowls clubhouse facility and the replacement of an existing lawn green with an undercover synthetic equivalent. The third stage of the project involved the refurbishment of the existing main building to cater for community services and training activities, creation of a space for community events and recreational activities, and provision of space for a modern multi-faceted library service.

The new library features an increased amount of space, more than doubling the current public library area, and providing an enhanced level of service to its patrons. It is more accessible and has a mobility scooter-recharge facility at the entrance.

The new library also features dedicated areas for adult learning and university and high school students, and an assigned space for the under-fives to enhance their understanding of numeracy and literacy, by learning through play to help them get ready for prep school.

With ample off-street parking, a coffee station, meeting room, a room for patrons to read and relax, increased public computer booking capacity, and wi-fi access throughout Mayor Toppin encourages all members of the community to visit the new library.

“There is also an area of the library dedicated to young people, bequeathed by Laurie Tracona, which will feature a collection of youth books and library items, a gaming console, television and study area.”

The new library also features a mural painted by acclaimed local mural artist, Tom Cosic, which reflects the values of inclusion, creativity and literacy and points to the future of the library service.

The official opening will be followed by a ‘Library Showcase’ where library users, residents and business operators are invited to visit the site and become familiar with the new facility and the services on offer.

Queensland Assistant Minister for Local Government Nikki Boyd said the Queensland Government was proud to improve community facilities through the Local Government Grants and Subsidies Program and Works for Queensland.

“Facilities such as the Cedric Davies Community Hub are important places for our regional communities to meet, learn, and enjoy recreational activities,” Ms Boyd said.

“The Queensland Government is listening to, and working with, local communities so we can continue to deliver great outcomes such as this.

“Improving local facilities also provides opportunities for more local jobs as part of Queensland’s plan for economic recovery.”

The Cedric Davies Community Hub is located at 43 Anzac Avenue, Mareeba with the Library opening Monday – Friday 10am – 5pm and Saturday, 9am – 12noon.

Booking enquiries for the community hall and workshop space are to be directed to Mareeba Shire Council’s Customer Service Centre.