New operator to take on Ipswich Community centre 20 months after ‘complete mess’ to remove former management

The previous operators described their departure as a ‘complete mess’. Now the centre will come under new management for $1 a year

Riverview Neighbourhood House manager Christine MacDonald in 2019 when the group was told they could no longer manage the Riverview Community Centre.

IPSWICH City Council is poised to confirm a new tenant for a local community centre almost two years after the previous operators were moved on in a situation they described as a "complete mess".

A report to the council's community, culture arts and sport committee meeting to be held on Thursday recommends the Riverview Community Centre be leased to Queensland Youth Family Support Services.

The building on Old Ipswich Rd will be rented for $1 a year for three years.

Christine MacDonald with former Bundamba MP Jo-Ann Miller.

The report notes two responses were received to the council's expression of interest campaign for the tenure and management of the centre.

The other applicant is not named.

The council assumed management of the centre on July 1, 2019.

Riverview Neighbourhood House, which had been operating the site, lost the management rights of the site at the end of June of that year.

"There was no communication between the person that was put in charge by council to work it all out," manager Christine MacDonald said at the time.

"It is what it is but it's a complete mess."

The council undertook works to overhaul the centre at a cost of $40,000.

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"Rehabilitation of the facility was completed including building works, repainting of walls, plumbing rectifications and installation of new lighting, airconditioning and a new kitchen," the report notes.

"The revitalised facility was reopened on 13 August 2019.

"Subsequently, council resources have been based at the facility delivering targeted community outreach services, however this is not the core skill set of council and is placing downward pressure to deliver capacity building and engagement services in other parts of the city."

The expression of interest campaign was launched in August last year to find an operator to take over the facility.

Applications closed in October and only attracted one compliant application with another being classed as non-compliant.

"The intention of the EOI was to establish a partnership with a community organisation whose services aligned with the strategic intent of council to facilitate the provision of quality social and community outcomes for the residents of Riverview and surrounding areas," the report notes.

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The report notes QYFSS has a long history of service in Ipswich with more than 30 years spent helping families and young people.

It was previously called Goodna Youth Services but changed its name in January 2019.

"The QYFSS has been providing outreach services at the Riverview Community Centre and within their proposal have also provided significant evidence of the strength of their relationships and the trust other key stakeholders have in their ability to deliver services to the community," the report notes.

"In addition to the relationships with various government, employment, training and other not-for-profit organisations outlined throughout their proposal, QYFSS draws on a large network of local organisations to enable the delivery of a range of local community services to the Ipswich community."

The council will be responsible for general repairs and maintenance.

Read more stories by Lachlan McIvor here.

Originally published as New operator to take on Ipswich Community centre 20 months after ‘complete mess’ to remove former management