December 14, 2015
Three empty and semi-derelict shops in Wondai have enjoyed a $150,000 makeover – and put back into use – thanks to an agreement worked out between the South Burnett Regional Council and South Burnett CTC.
The three shopfronts, known as “Communications House”, are located in Mackenzie Street.
They were originally purchased by Wondai Shire Council prior to the Council amalgamations and leased to local community organisations, including Burnett.Net.Au (now a private business, Datawave) and CROW-FM.
When these tenants moved out, the building was vacant for many years.
Council was unable to find a purchaser when it was placed on the market.
“No one wanted to buy it,” South Burnett CTC CEO Nina Temperton said.
“At the same time, CTC’s Partners In Foster Care program was bursting out of the dongas at the back (in Bramston Lane).”
Mrs Temperton said CTC approached Council with an offer … could the not-for-profit organisation use the space if it refurbished the building at its own cost?
The refurbishment included a new street frontage, false ceilings, external and internal access ramps, internal toilets, a kitchen /tearoom as well as painting, blinds etc.
The building also required the installation of a firewall to bring it up to current standards, drainage work, rewiring and repairs to the roof.
So instead of three run-down shops facing Wondai’s main street, there is a modern frontage … and Partners in Foster Care have extra room to provide their services to the community.
“It’s a wonderful collaboration between CTC and the South Burnett Regional Council,” Mrs Temperton said.
“When Council works with a community organisation, this is what can happen.”
Mayor Wayne Kratzmann said Communications House had been a “terribly rundown old building”.
“This wouldn’t have happened without Nina and CTC,” he said.
South Burnett CTC now have a 30-year lease on the building, plus options to renew.
