Our campaign demands action
Protect Helensburgh's
Community Facilities
Wollongong City Council is proposing a new Community Centre for Helensburgh, but the plans are completely inadequate. Demand a full-size hall and essential venues for our growing community.
Campaign objective
Helensburgh must retain a full-size basketball court and a full-size stage/auditorium - either included in the new Community Centre hall or through refurbishment and retention of the existing Community Centre.
The newly proposed community hall is only half the size of the existing hall and does not include these essential facilities.
What we will lose if no court and stage are provided?
Drastic size reduction
The new community hall is half the size of the existing one - despite the population having more than doubled since 1978.
No indoor sports court
Loss of the only full-size indoor basketball court in Helensburgh.
No stage or auditorium
Loss of the only stage and auditorium suitable for concerts, dance events, school performances, and community gatherings.
Impact on youth & sports
Loss of a large indoor space for youth activities, indoor sport, wet-weather sport, and high-capacity community events.
Restricted civic events
Reduced ability to host civic events, fundraisers, ceremonies, cultural activities, and emergency gatherings.
Undermines community needs
A smaller hall limits participation, reduces hire opportunities, and undermines the needs of our growing community.
Key questions we are asking council
Questions about the new community hall
Why is the new hall only half the size of the existing one when the population has more than doubled since 1978?
Why were the basketball court, stage, and auditorium removed from the new design?
Can a full-size court and full-size stage/auditorium be incorporated into the new hall? If not, why?
Questions about the existing centre
How and why is the existing building considered condemned?
Has an independent structural engineer or building inspector assessed it?
What defects were identified and what remediation options were provided?
Why has no engineering or condition report been released to the community?
Questions about transparency and equity
Why is Helensburgh receiving a smaller hall and fewer facilities than we currently have?
Has Council clearly explained to residents what we are losing?
Facts about the existing hall & lack of Evidence
The existing hall (built 1978) includes a full-size basketball court, full-size stage, auditorium, and multi-use space.
It is heavily used by sports clubs, schools, dance groups, cultural groups, and community events.
Council has not provided any independent engineering report showing the hall is unsafe, unrepairable, or beyond refurbishment.
No documentation has been shared outlining:
- Specific defects
- Repair options
- Cost comparisons between refurbishment vs demolition
Without evidence, there is no justification for losing these essential facilities or replacing them with a smaller hall.
What are local residents saying?
" It would be great to get evidence on the damage to the Centre and also to find out how and why this damage occurred and who is responsible. "
" The issues in regards to the auditorium/basketball court was a ongoing issue for the committee and was report to council again and again. "
" So how can we get involved to affect some change in the councils plans? "
Have your say
Let council know what you think?