The site for Mount Gambier’s new $57.3m Community and Recreation Hub was handed over to the head contractor on Monday.

Mount Gambier City Council held a celebratory event last week in preparation for the handover of the Olympic Park site on Margaret Street to BADGE Constructions.

The event included a special Welcome to Country led by Aunty Penny Bonney and Uncle Mikey Hartman and a Smoking Ceremony to acknowledge the coming together of culture and people to promote the protection and wellbeing of all in its development, performed by Uncle Doug Nicholls.

Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said following the completion of the tender process and execution of the building contract, work would soon begin.

“Today is an exciting day for our city,” she said.

“The year-round multi-purpose facility is designed for people of all ages and abilities including children, families, youth, community groups, recreational and organised sports and those with special needs.

“The Community and Recreation Hub is a truly transformational project for our city.

“The facility will increase the city’s ability to host major state and national sporting competitions, conferences, events and performances to provide significant social and economic benefits to Mount Gambier for decades to come.”

Ms Martin said there was no better time to start the build as the community started to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Our State and Federal Governments are encouraging local councils to do their bit to stimulate the economy with major infrastructure projects.

“BADGE constructions will invest $22.9m locally through trades and suppliers during the construction period alone, providing a significant boost to the local economy in these challenging times,” she said.

“The Community and Recreation Hub will be a game changer for Mount Gambier, a community space for everyone.

“We deserve a facility of this calibre.”

The new facility is expected to be completed in Autumn 2022.