By Sinhalese Cultural Centre (SCC)
SCC Change of Use Development Update – Stage 1 Construction Underway
The Sinhalese Cultural Centre (SCC) is a community hub created through the vision and dedication of the Sinhalese Cultural Forum of NSW and the generous support of the wider community. The SCC belongs to all of us and serves as a place where cultural, educational and social activities can flourish, helping preserve and celebrate our heritage while strengthening connections within Australia’s multicultural society.
We are pleased to share an important milestone in the Centre’s journey.
Following a comprehensive assessment process, Blacktown City Council approved the Change of Use Development Application for the SCC premises at 28 Cacia Avenue, Seven Hills, in February 2023. This approval enables the property to formally operate as a community facility and includes a number of essential improvements to enhance safety, accessibility, functionality and community use.
Stage 1 Construction Currently in Progress
We are delighted to advise that Stage 1 of the approved development is now underway.
The total cost of Stage 1 is approximately $96,000. A large portion of this cost has been funded through a grant from the Australian Government. The remaining community contribution required for Stage 1 is approximately $25,000, which is being raised through JanaShakthi contributions and other SCC fundraising initiatives.
The Sinhalese Cultural Centre gratefully acknowledges and thanks the Australian Government for its valuable support towards this important community project.
Stage 1 Works Include:
- Construction of the acoustic fence required under Council approval
- Disability access ramp from the rear deck, associated footpaths and BBQ area foundation works
- Replacement of the rear door to meet fire safety and accessibility requirements
- Stage 1 stormwater infrastructure improvements
We are pleased to share photographs of the ongoing Stage 1 construction works. These progress photos can be viewed at the bottom of this article.
We are pleased to share more photographs of the ongoing Stage 1 construction works. These progress photos can be viewed at the bottom of this article.
Looking Ahead – Stage 2 Development
Once Stage 1 is completed, planning and construction of Stage 2 will commence.
Proposed Stage 2 Works Include:
- Car park and driveway construction
- Rainwater and OSD Tank, and Stage 2 stormwater developments
- BBQ and outdoor gathering area
- CCTV system upgrade
- Automatic Fire Detection and Alarm System
- External lighting improvements
- Additional safety and compliance enhancements
These works are essential to transforming the SCC into a fully compliant, accessible and welcoming community facility that can support the needs of current and future generations.
How You Can Help
While the SCC team continues to successfully secure government grant funding, community contributions remain vital to completing this development.
For Stage 1 and Stage 2, the SCC community is expected to contribute approximately $40,000 towards the project. Every donation, whether large or small, directly assists in meeting this target and enables the Centre to continue progressing towards full compliance and enhanced community facilities.
All the contributions to SCC Change of Use development will be accumulated as JanaShakthi Contributions.
All the donations to the SCC Public Fund are tax deductible.
Please use the form at the bottom of this article to make your contribution. Even when you contribute using the payment method “Bank Transfer”, it is important to use the form below, so that we receive the accurate information of the contribution.
Note that with the “Paypal” payment method, you can use any major credit card OR a Paypal account to make your contribution.
Together, we can build a lasting community asset that will preserve our culture, strengthen our community, and serve future generations for many years to come.
Thank you for your continued support of the Sinhalese Cultural Centre.
