The new YMCA Broken Hill Integrated Wellness Centre has celebrated its official opening today, following a major redevelopment that provides new healthcare, fitness and social interaction opportunities for the community.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton was pleased to tour the new facility, and said residents of Broken Hill can now enjoy exciting new health and wellbeing programs at their fingertips.

“It gives me great pleasure to see this impressive redevelopment complete, which will enable YMCA Broken Hill to deliver a range of important community health and wellbeing programs,” Mr Coulton said.

“For over 100 years, the YMCA has been an important part of Broken Hill, and it is a mainstay for the local community. The mezzanine level is now a functional, appealing space for community groups to enjoy, boasting an allied health room, spin room, multi-purpose spaces and accessible amenities.

“The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government has contributed $371,302 to this project through the Building Better Regions Fund, and I am proud to back this excellent redevelopment.

“I also commend the YMCA Broken Hill and YMCA NSW teams on their foresight and hard work to bring this project to completion.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said construction of the mezzanine and the project more broadly supported the creation of 22 new jobs and used a majority of local resources and suppliers.

“The mezzanine space and larger redevelopment of the centre will increase opportunities for volunteering and social interaction while supporting physical and mental health in the Broken Hill community,” Mr McCormack said.

YMCA NSW Area Manager Broken Hill Shane Simmons said the new mezzanine is complete with a new lift, upgraded stairwell, accessible toilet, air-conditioning and sensor lighting.

“Today is a wonderful day for YMCA Broken Hill and the entire YMCA NSW team. We are very excited by the opportunities that these upgrades will offer to the community and we are certain that the new facilities will mean a more vibrant and liveable city,” Mr Simmons said.

“I’d like to acknowledge the contributions of the Australian Government, NSW Government, Broken Hill City Council and Maari Ma Aboriginal Health to this project and thank them for their support.”

The Liberal and Nationals Government’s Building Better Regions Fund is a $641 million investment designed to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities into the future.

The YMCA mezzanine redevelopment project was jointly funded by the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government and YMCA NSW.