City of Bunbury councillors have approved a request from iSports for a Deed of Lease over a portion of Payne Park for the next three years.
City of Bunbury sport and recreation liaison officers met with representatives from iSports in November last year in regards to the matter and identified that the use and purpose of the proposed clubrooms held a great community vision, besides just sporting activities.
After considering locations at Hay Park, Forrest Park and Bunbury Recreation Ground, Payne Park was decided on as the most central location with the easiest access.
iSports said they’re hoping they are able to improve awareness and inclusiveness within the community and that the new clubrooms will provide people with a place they are comfortable with and proud of.
As well as sport, the clubrooms will also be used to assist with independent living skills including cooking and cleaning and meeting with other people to share a vision and space for inclusiveness.
City of Bunbury Mayor Gary Brennan said he’s happy council unanimously voted in favour of the lease.
“iSports is a brilliant organisation helping a lot of young people and adults who have disabilities. It engages them in sports and activities and a lot of social interaction,” he said.
“They haven’t, up until this point, had a place they can call their own so what they have asked for is very modest.
“Even when there are no activities going on outside, they will have a place to socialise – there’ll be computers and games and it’s really important to have that.”
The group are currently operating out of a number of facilities throughout Australind and Bunbury but said they’re looking forward to having one main meeting place in a central location to minimise transport and carer resource costs for members.
And their move into the new sea container clubrooms is set to be made a little easier following the presentation of a $10,000 grant from Bunbury Holden earlier this week.
Bunbury Holden dealer principal Gavin Billington also chipped in $1500 to contribute to new t-shirts for the iSports members.
The commencement of the lease is yet to be determined.