THE celebration of the 50th anniversary of the formation of the Marburg and District Residents Association was marked by the official naming of the Marburg Community Centre.
The building, colloquially known as the Green Shed, and now by the much more prestigious, Marburg Community Centre, was opened and given its official name by former Association president, Barry Gratton.
The ceremony was held during the Winter Markets on Saturday and involved a ribbon cutting and the unveiling of the plaque acknowledging: “through the work of many individuals and the generous support of multiple organisations, a former mechanical workshop has been transformed into a space the entire community can enjoy”.
Mr Gratton who had managed the project said it took “well over ten years to complete and involved many different people who assisted in achieving this great community asset”.
And he thanked all the people who had been involved in the process.
“Former Councillor David Pahlke had a major role in kicking off the project and was a key figure in the completion of Stage 1 of the building which included installing a new kitchen, painting and getting the building to a lockable stage,” Mr Gratton said.
Funding was sought from many different sources and Federal Member for Blair Shayne Neumann was thanked for his role in gaining several grants from the Stronger Communities Program.
Councillor Jim Madden was also involved from the beginning as the then State Member for Ipswich West.
“He obtained much needed funds from State resources and Jim also donated the sign for the front of the building,” Mr Gratton said.
The Rosewood Community Bank was also acknowledged as another source of funding and Mr Gratton acknowledged late board member Alan Price and current Board member Eirys Heit “for always being willing to give a hand by donating much needed funds … this support will always be remembered and appreciated”.
Mr Gratton also recalled a welcome invitation.
“Rowarn Luder of Ipswich Rotary invited me to attend a meeting and speak to the members about the project and we received a generous donation from the club.
“Rowarn himself generously gave a personal donation which was gratefully appreciated.”
Barry and Wendye Gratton also gave a donation to keep the project afloat during stressful times.
Builder Shane Beattie and plumber Brett Adamson were also thanked for their patience.
“When money was tight, they both held off with sending their bills till more funds could be obtained,” Mr Gratton said. “Much credit is due to these two and their fellow tradies.”
He also acknowledged the support of Mayor Teresa Harding and former Councillors Russell Milligan and Kate Kunzelmann “for their assistance in some trying times and for organising the installation of air conditioning”.
Not to be forgotten were the dedicated members of the organisation who helped with fundraising events, giving their time and efforts, donating baked goods and doing the background work necessary for a successful community organisation to achieve its goals.
Thanks were also given to Mark Robinson who did much of the electrical work as a volunteer and Barry Gratton who also did much of the in-kind work was praised for his contribution to the project.
Barry’s son Rob was also involved in the in-kind work and painted the inside and outside of the building and also built the ‘reading room’ and two of the library boxes in front of the building.
Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann, acknowledged the work of the organisation and backed up Mr Gratton’s words and congratulated him and his helpers for their dedication and time to completing this project.
Councillor Jim Madden, representing the Mayor backed Mr Neumann’s words and also acknowledged all who had assisted with this work.
The ribbon was cut by Barry and Wendye Gratton and the plaque unveiled and invited guests were then asked to enjoy morning tea.