FINAL inspections will be carried out next week on a million-dollar refurbishment of the Mallee District Aboriginal Service’s Swan Hill centre.
The major upgrade has included repairs of termite and water damage to the centre’s auditorium, which has been unusable for more than two years.
MDAS board member Rob Connelly said the work had also allowed for expansion of the organisation’s family services area.
“The work will give us a major improvement in new offices and useable work areas for our family services and staff,” he said.
“It allows space for 11 staff and an extra two offices — in fact, it will effectively double the size of the family services area.
“The end result is a more professional and efficient work environment for staff and a more comfortable and culturally appropriate setting and experience for our clients.”
Carried out by Ballarat’s SJ Weir Constructions, using Swan Hill-based sub-contractors, the project also included the upgrade of toilets and amenities in the community hall and the conversion of several offices into training rooms.
MDAS CEO Rudolph Kirby said the million-dollar refurbishment, which followed a similar expansion of health services last year, had breathed life back into the Nyah Road centre.
“We’re trying to create a state-of-the-art facility similar to Mildura,” he said.
“Our next focus will be in Kerang.”
