THE Joondalup Lotteries House (JLH) management committee recently marked its 20th anniversary with an afternoon tea.
In central Joondalup, the building provides affordable accommodation for community organisations involved in delivering and or supporting not-for-profit community services to northern suburbs residents.
Committee co-chairwoman Fran Edmeades was one of the original steering group members and spoke about the history of the facility at the February 20 event.
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READ NOW“The facility had its inception in 1993, when the Joondalup Community Foundation carried out a preliminary study into the feasibility of establishing a Lotteries House in Joondalup,” she said
“Community organisations at the time were beset with difficulties finding suitable affordable accommodation.
“As a result of this study a steering committee was formed comprising representatives of potential users groups – the first meeting was held on August 18, 1994.
“Joondalup Lotteries House became incorporated in 1997 and the management committee began its journey towards the construction of the fit-for-purpose building, which was officially opened in May 1999.
“Tenants of JLH provide essential community and support services such as counselling, youth accommodation, drug and alcohol programs, advice and referral, housing support, employment services for people with disability and leisure and health programs.
“In addition to the permanent tenants, many community organisations hire the facilities to run community programs and regular support group meetings.”
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Current tenants are Youth Futures WA, Relationships Australia, Women’s Health and Family Services, Rocky Bay Employment Services, Patricia Giles Centre, Nutrition Australia, Citizens Advice Bureau, Joondalup Netball Association, Housing Support Program and Safe at Home Services.
Other speakers included Youth Futures WA chief executive Mark Waite, who outlined the programs and services his organisation offers at-risk young people, and Joondalup Mayor Troy Pickard.
The Circle of Friends community choir performed at the celebration.