Centre History

The centre is named after Burnie Brae the name of the original homestead built on the site by Andrew Hamilton, one of the original pioneers of the Chermside area.

HISTORY OF THE CHERMSIDE & DISTRICT SENIOR CITIZENS CENTRE

 

Establishment 1977

The Chermside and District Senior Citizens Centre Incorporated evolved from a community meeting organised by the Rotary Club of Chermside in 1977. From this meeting an Establishment Committee comprising eight Rotarians was formed with Mr. W Morton as President.

New Centre 1984

In 1981 Brisbane City Council consented to the subdivision of a portion of Annand Park (later to be renamed Burnie Brae Park) on which to build the Centre. Funds were raised through the efforts of Rotarians and others in the community and finally on 22nd March 1984, The Governor of Queensland, Sir James Ramsay, officially opened the Centre. The total cost of construction was $525,000.

The centre was named the “Burnie Brae Centre” after the original “Burnie Brae” homestead established on the site in 1870 by Andrew Hamilton a Master Craftsman and Coachbuilder. The land was resumed following World War ll by the Housing Commission as part of a “progressive” housing program.

Expansion 1994

In 1991 negotiations commenced to establish and construct a Day Respite Centre as well as further extensions to the main Auditorium.

With a Capital grant from the Home And Community Care Program of $400,000 the expansion commenced in February 1994 and was completed in October 1994. Facilities included a Day Respite Centre, extensions to the Auditorium, a new Meals on Wheels kitchen, a new Home Assist Secure office and a toilet/dressing room. Total cost of work was over $800,000.

The official opening was performed by the Hon. Carmen Lawrence MP, Federal Minister for Human Services and Health, on Friday 28 October 1994.

Park Rename - 1997

In 1997 a petition was presented to Brisbane City Council which led to the changing of the name Annand Park to Burnie Brae Park.

Outdoor Recreational Area - 1998

In 1998 the area at the northern entrance to the Auditorium was revamped into an Outdoor Courtyard Area for Members. Life Member, Gwen Fielding beautified the area by establishing gardens in and around the courtyard and in 2003 was recognised for her efforts when the courtyard was named the Gwen Fielding courtyard.

New Welfare Office - 2002

In January 2002 a new Welfare Office was commenced on the Western side of the Day Respite Centre to provide additional office space for our growing community services. It was completed by June 2002 at cost of $60,000.

Current Development

The Management Committee has reviewed the use of the Centre for current and future needs. These changes commenced in 2006 and are staged for completion in 2009.

• Automatic doors and ramp to a renovated Foyer area
• New Library off the Foyer (to be named Thelma Aitken Library)
• New entry door of the Foyer to the Hairdressing Salon
• Renovated Administration Area
• New Members Support Office
• New Podiatry Room
• Renovated courtyard area to include a Coffee Shop
• New covered walkway along the front entry of the building
• Improved Kitchen / Canteen Facilities
• Improved Auditorium storage area
• Renovation to the under building area of the auditorium to convert it to useable space
• Renovation of office space in the Day Care Centre
• Extension of client areas in the Day Care Centre
• Improved drainage and landscaping to the rear of the Day Care Centre

Park Development

The centre is currently working with Brisbane City Council to redevelop the adjacent Burnie Brae Park.  This will include a community garden and the development of  exercise paths and additional plantings throughout the park

Latest developments