Construction of the Kadina and District Recreation Centre started with a vision driven by the Kadina community in the 1970s. Through much of the same hard work involved with the current redevelopment, a sporting hub was built and opened on December 19, 1976. It was named the Kadina and District Recreation Centre and officially opened by the Minister of Tourism, Recreation and Sport Tom Casey, Senator Harold Young representing the Commonwealth Government, and Kadina Mayor John Olsen.

The community recreation hub had arrived!

“After serving the community for 40 years, the original facility was tired and in need of major maintenance to meet current safety and building codes together with community standards and expectations,” Copper Coast Council mayor Paul Thomas said.

“The Copper Coast literally faced the loss of this 40-year-old community recreation hub.”

Copper Coast Council, in consultation with its community, made the decision to investigate design possibilities for a new, improved facility that would be able to accommodate the growing community in the long term.

“The focus for the new hub was to provide a community space that would offer improved health and wellbeing in a growing population balanced with economic development for the community and wider Yorke Peninsula region,” Mr Thomas said.  “The initial phase was to scope a project that would be affordable for our community.

“After much hard work and perseverance, thousands of pages of plans and grant applications, the project goal was within reach.”

A total budget of $10.3 million was finalised with a combined $7.8 million of grant funding through federal and state government departments, Kadina Memorial School, local clubs, businesses, individuals and the sale of community unmade roads.

Funding partners included:

• $4,803,424 Australian Government
• $900,000 Office of Sport and Recreation
• $1,500,000 Department of Education
• $500,000 Kadina Memorial School
• $100,000 + of Community Donations

The LGFA currently provide long term loan funds and flexible convertible cash advance debenture facilities to the Copper Coast Council which enable the Council to create intergenerational equity for their community. 

The dream became a reality. In June 2016, a contract with builder Unique Urban Built was signed. That month, the first sod was turned by Mr Thomas and federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey, then construction began.

“The new facility comprising the program pool, show court, three additional indoor courts, squash courts, gymnasium, upgraded outdoor courts, playground, car park, café, créche, changerooms, meeting and conference rooms and community spaces is being well utilised,” Mr Thomas said.

The new leisure centre has been built as a hub for the whole Copper Coast community.

Manager Amanda Carmichael said anyone is welcome to come in at any time and utilise the programs or services, or simply meet up with friends for coffee and lunch.

The centre is being used by hundreds of people of all ages every week. Many user groups are utilising the centre with a variety of activities including MKA karate, Kadina Gymnastics Club, Kadina Tennis Club, Kadina and District Netball Association, Bears and Kadina Basketball Clubs, and Yorkers basketball development program”.

The leisure centre runs social netball, basketball and Futsal competitions, sports ability group programs and kindergym. The new squash courts will be available from August 1.

The leisure centre’s swimming pool is used daily for swim school, hydrotherapy and aqua aerobics. The pool is fully heated so the classes can be run year-round.   Wallaroo Hospital, Novita Children’s Services and Flex Physiotherapy all use the pool for their hydrotherapy services.

The leisure centre is also open to hosting other sports and activities in the centre.  “We want to offer the community the sports and activities they want, so this is a great opportunity for us to gauge interest.”  Amanda said it is rewarding to see so many people making use of the facility.

The facility has already hosted major regional events but this is only the very beginning.

There is flexibility, scope and diversity for the entire community locally, and beyond.

The centre was officially opened on 26 July 2018, with a plaque unveiled by Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack.  Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey and official guests attended.

This information was provided by Peter Harder, Copper Coast Council’s Chief Executive Officer as well as Mayor Paul Thomas and Centre Manager, Amanda Carmichael.

Photographs courtesy of the Yorke Peninsula Country Times.