mary o'dea community centre, BIRDWOOD

The new Mary O’Dea Community Centre replaces a transportable schoolroom which was used for gatherings these past 40 years or so. This building had deteriorated over time and its asbestos walls were also of concern. The new centre was erected by Hughes Construction and its interior was painted by a hard-working team of volunteers with generous financial support from a number of benefactors. Built on a cement slab with timber framing and clad with Hardiplank weatherboard and aluminium frame windows, it comprises one large room with a kitchen in one corner and two toilets, one of which is for disabled people.  Rocks in front of the centre were excavated to make way for the new building and one of these will bear a commemorative plaque, to be unveiled in the ceremony.

Application for the use of the Community centre must be made through the parish office on 8359 0674 or stmatthew@adelaidehillsparish.com.au

 

     our lady of the adelaide hills parish hall, bridgewater

 

The arrival in 2014 of Father Alfred Farrugia as parish priest brought a renewed sense of direction and he left the parish in little doubt that a hall in Bridgewater could become a reality. By mid-April 2018 new plans were announced and a generous anonymous donation of $150,000 sparked growing support and encouragement for the project.

John Iacopetta of Multi Designs provided plans that overcame issues concerning the steepness of the land and approvals were given by the Stirling District Council and the Archdiocese during 2019. On 15th January 2020 Father Fred blessed the site and the first sod was turned by the contractor Bruce Millican of Millwood Homes.

The traditional double brick format, using Littlehampton bricks, would closely match to church alongside. Throughout the year Mass goers observed progress with interest. The final touch has been a copper and blue glass sculpture of the Virgin Mary over the entrance, created by parishioner Leon Holmes of Mt Pleasant.

The hall will be a welcoming place for groups to meet and is expected to foster a new sense of community.  Application for the use of the hall contact Cathie Oswald on 0428 244 956 or catherineoswald@ozemail.com.au