Craigie Leisure Centre.
Camera IconCraigie Leisure Centre. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Northern suburbs councils close community facilities during COVID-19 pandemic

Lucy JarvisJoondalup Times

LIBRARIES, sports facilities, children’s services and youth programs have shut down in response to the coronavirus and calls for physical and social distancing.

The cities of Joondalup and Wanneroo have stopped a swathe of programs at community and leisure facilities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and health authorities’ advice.

Craigie Leisure Centre and Aquamotion suspended swimming lessons last week, cancelled events and changed fitness class schedules, before the Federal and State governments announced all indoor leisure and cultural centres had to close on March 23.

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The City of Joondalup confirmed Craigie and Duncraig leisure centres have closed until further notice and memberships were put on an automatic suspension so there would be no fees or direct debits during the closure.

The City of Wanneroo confirmed Aquamotion and Kingsway Indoor Stadium were closed until further notice, with memberships and pre-paid upfront payments already made suspended until they re-open.

Both cities also suspended all library programs and many children’s and youth programs indefinitely and closed branches from noon on Monday.

Books on Wheels programs are continuing and library members can access eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and streaming services online for free.

Wanneroo Museum has also closed, and many seniors programs and community groups have suspended events and meetings.

Community centre bookings have been closed, while youth centres in Wanneroo remain open but many programs and events have been affected.

“This is a difficult time for many in our community – our residents, our ratepayers and our businesses,” Wanneroo Mayor Tracey Roberts said.

“There will be few of us who do not feel some sort of impact from COVID-19.

“Our priority is the health and safety of our community and our staff, and we will be implementing the recommendations of health experts in any changes to our community and business services.

“We are already planning for how best we can support our residents, ratepayers and local businesses during this difficult time.”

Bin collection services are continuing.

Visit www.joondalup.wa.gov.au and www.wanneroo.wa.gov.au for updates.

Aquamotion in Wanneroo.
Camera IconAquamotion in Wanneroo. Credit: Supplied/Martin Kennealey

Business support shifts online

BUSINESS association have adjusted their services in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Wanneroo Business Association said it was delivering face-to-face meetings online and working towards offering events, webinars and networking online.

President Dinesh Aggarwal said the association would continue to support members online and encouraged people who were struggling to contact it.

Joondalup Business Association also postponed all face-to-face networking and events for the foreseeable future.

“We are looking to hold ongoing events in a virtual networking environment so that members can still engage and discuss critical factors about their business with other members and members of the board,” president Neil Gerrard said.

Mr Gerrard asked people to use local services where possible, and said the association would resume face-to-face activities when it was appropriate to do so.

Visit www.jba.asn.au or www.wanneroobusiness.com for more information.

Further information on COVID-19:

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