Rockingham’s Autumn Centre marks 30 years of senior activities

The City of Rockingham’s Autumn Centre marked a major milestone on last week on 24th October with hundreds of the centre’s members coming together to celebrate the facility’s 30th birthday.

Located on McNicholl Street in Rockingham, the Autumn Centre offers City of Rockingham residents over the age of 60 an active social environment where they can come together to pursue personal interests and create support networks.

It runs a range of activities including dance and fitness classes, games groups, arts, crafts and courses. There are also a range of services on offer including a library, hairdresser, café, technology support, podiatry, a dining room service with takeaway meals, as well as several wellbeing services such as physiotherapy, massage and Bowen Therapy.   

During the event members enjoyed a special 30th birthday morning tea, sharing memories from years gone by. Laurie Smith OAM, who was Mayor at the time the City opened the facility, said it had become known as one of the best in Western Australia.

Long term member Phyl Smith, who is now 95 years old, was among some of the first residents to become a member when it opened 30 years ago. She said that over the years the centre had become a haven for her, and she’d been fortunate to meet a lot of friends and create some great memories. 

City of Rockingham Mayor Deb Hamblin thanked the community for its support of the Autumn Centre over the years sharing “Since opening in 1993 the Autumn Centre has grown to have nearly 1,900 members, and we are proud that is has become one of the most popular facilities in the community.

“The ongoing success of the centre is a testament to the members, volunteers and City staff who make the facility such a warm and welcoming place. We look forward to seeing the Autumn Centre grow in future and are excited about what the next 30 years has in store.”   

Earlier this year the City held events to recognise milestones at Rockingham Aquatic Centre (50 years) and Aqua Jetty (20 years). In late 2023 the City will also celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Mike Barnett Sports Complex in the community.

For more information on the Autumn Centre visit rockingham.wa.gov.au/community/seniors/autumn-centre