More space, more fun at the Aberfoyle Community Centre

Published on 14 April 2025

Creatives, dancers and young people – in fact, everyone in the community – can find their muse, groove or tribe at the new space now open at the Aberfoyle Community Centre.

“The centre’s new building is an exciting step forward for Chill n Chat for high school students,” says Saba, a youth mentor who started volunteering with the program last year.

“The program enables young people to find friends and take part in activities in a positive space, whatever their backgrounds or interests.

“And now with more space at the centre, we can host bigger and better activities and create different zones for interests like gaming, arts and crafts, dance, music, conversations, and movies.”

“Many young people are not actually aware of the centre. I think this new building, accompanied with new programs being run, will get young people’s attention.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming even more young people to a place where they can find friends and activities in a positive space, whatever their backgrounds or interests.”

The $1.5 million centre expansion opened in February.

Located at the rear of the existing community centre, the new open-plan building features a large, versatile space that can host everything from children’s programs and art exhibitions to pottery workshops and music gigs.

Verandas on the eastern side create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces while a central outdoor area is ideal for informal gatherings.

Indoors, artists can take advantage of the high-level windows in the skillion roof which flood the space with natural light as well as the studio space equipped with a pottery kiln, moveable tables and lockers and

A youth pod with a lowered ceiling and retractable curtains is geared for young people wanting to hang out or catch up with friends.

Acoustic features, such as acoustic glass, cater for music makers of all genres – while keeping the neighbours happy.

The vinyl flooring and wall mirrors help dancers and fitness fans to get their moves just right. (Movers who are a little shy can draw the floor-length curtains across the mirrors.)

April Kennedy has been a fitness and Zumba instructor and children’s dance teacher at the Aberfoyle Community Centre for around three years.

“With my fitness instructions, I work with adults wanting to enjoy an affordable, inclusive and local workout,” she says.

“The expansion will allow our regular activities to continue when single, one-off events are scheduled and it will give us more choice to use the most suitable space for our activities.”

According to Onkaparinga Mayor Moira Were, the building’s design and construction are thanks to the council’s partnerships with both the community and the state government.

“The best projects are those that meet genuine community needs – and that’s exactly what this expansion delivers,” she says.

“When the state and council work together, we achieve the best outcomes for our community. This expansion is a shining example of that collaboration.”

The building was made possible through a $1.5 million in state government funding, secured by Erin Thompson MP, and a further $110,000 from the City of Onkaparinga.

It was designed following consultation with the community. Local residents said they wanted a more versatile space – a place where younger people felt at home and where people of all ages could come together for a range of activities – to create, dance, play music, learn or simply socialise.

The City of Onkaparinga operates 11 community centres, two positive ageing centres and three youth centres across the region.

The centres cater for every age and ability. In any week, there are programs and events for children, parents, carers, artists, those with dementia – for everyone – with activities ranging from sport and music to I.T. skills, low-cost meals, and health and wellbeing. Some venues are also available for hire.

Most council-run activities are free or low cost.

Last financial year, around 260,000 people visited the council’s community and positive ageing centres. Volunteers provided more than 66,000 hours of service at the centres.

“These spaces serve the community. They also create and sustain community. I’m excited to see the creative energy and youthful spirit this new centre will bring to Aberfoyle Park,” says Moira.

“We will continue to advocate for funding to sustain and improve all of our centres.”

The Chill n Chat program is held weekly at the Aberfoyle Community Centre for young people in Years 7 to 12.

Go online to see more information about Onkaparinga’s community centres, youth centres and positive ageing centres, or drop into your local centre.