The $2 million shell of the Dunn Lewis Centre’s auditorium is almost complete, with funding now being sought to fit-out the second stage of the youth complex.
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Work on the large wave roof and walls of the auditorium wing is expected to be completed by the end of June, however Gayle Dunn from the Dunn Lewis Foundation said a further $2 million would be required to complete the interior as well as underground parking facilities and air conditioning.
Gayle said she was seeking government and private grants to finish the auditorium which which would cater for large indoor sporting competitions, concerts and pop up events such as roller skating or ballroom dancing exhibitions.
“It will be a very versatile facility,” she said.
“The sprung floor will make it ideal for community functions and gymnastics, dancing and sporting displays and a whole range of competitions.”
The current stage also includes the completion of two new classrooms under the verandah which will provide a new learning space for local students.
Gayle said distance learning students were currently studying in a demountable building on the site and were looking forward to moving into the new state-of-the-art classroom.
She said the learning spaces would also be available for use by community and training groups in July.
Distance education teacher David Macguire said he was excited to be relocating to the new classrooms with proper facilities for students.
The spectacular new auditorium roof is shaped like a wave and will feature a waterfall running off it.
Gayle’s vision is for people to walk along the verandah to a Bali Memorial behind the waterfall.
She said the area would be a space for reflection about the Bali bombing tragedy that took the life of her son Craig and his mate Danny Lewis on October 12, 2002.
The waterfall will complement the large water feature inside the centre’s entrance.
“Water is so important to me and to this place,” she said.
“The memorial wall will be a quiet area to reflect on what happened.”
She said the feature would also include the town’s history and the story of how the centre has been developed by and for the community.
Gayle said progress on the massive roof had been delayed due to recent gale force winds and storms, however she said it was “looking really good”.
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