Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre
For over 30 years there have been community discussions about the need for an indoor aquatic centre and more recent discussions have incorporated other indoor sporting facilities into the conversation.
The Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre is a multi-purpose facility designed to be a community space, with facilities and activities for all ages and abilities including children, families, youth, community groups, recreational and organised sports and those with special needs.
This development will provide substantial year round indoor facilities, addressing many community needs both now and for future generations to come.
The Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre will increase the ability for Mount Gambier to host major sporting competitions, conferences, events and performances providing significant social and economic benefits.
Council has committed to work alongside our community to ensure that this development fulfils the needs and aspirations of all potential users.
Find out more about this exciting project by:
- following the progress through the project updates
- watching the Community Videos
- reading through the FAQ's
- viewing the detailed design
- asking us a question using the Q&A section
Do you want to keep up to date with the progress of this facility?
We encourage community members to sign up for project updates or check back to this page regularly throughout the project development, participate in consultations and ask questions.
For over 30 years there have been community discussions about the need for an indoor aquatic centre and more recent discussions have incorporated other indoor sporting facilities into the conversation.
The Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre is a multi-purpose facility designed to be a community space, with facilities and activities for all ages and abilities including children, families, youth, community groups, recreational and organised sports and those with special needs.
This development will provide substantial year round indoor facilities, addressing many community needs both now and for future generations to come.
The Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre will increase the ability for Mount Gambier to host major sporting competitions, conferences, events and performances providing significant social and economic benefits.
Council has committed to work alongside our community to ensure that this development fulfils the needs and aspirations of all potential users.
Find out more about this exciting project by:
- following the progress through the project updates
- watching the Community Videos
- reading through the FAQ's
- viewing the detailed design
- asking us a question using the Q&A section
Do you want to keep up to date with the progress of this facility?
We encourage community members to sign up for project updates or check back to this page regularly throughout the project development, participate in consultations and ask questions.
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Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre Update
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre project continues to progress at Olympic Park in Mount Gambier despite ongoing delays caused by COVID-19 restrictions.
Head contractor BADGE Constructions is managing 100 to 110 people from various trades and services working on site each day to progress the major build.
“We have many local businesses on site including VIVID Glass, Gambier Earthmovers, Studform, Bill Legget Fencing, Cameron Lock Surveyors, Adams Scaffolding, DMK Engineering, Correct Safety, Metalworx, Wilson Security, Heemskerk Security, Conroy landscaping, Williams Cranes, Baxter Hire, I&D Traffic Control and Quickmix,” City of Mount Gambier Project Sponsor Barbara Cernovskis said.
“It’s great that we can involve our local skilled services in this transformational project which will provide the facilities to really change the way we live and interact with each other recreationally in the city when it opens later this year.”
The external 50 metre pool structure is being rebuilt and the internal pools including the 25 metre pool, program pool, learn to swim pool and the splash pad are currently under construction within the centre.
“The 50 metre pool is now a rebuilt shell and BADGE is currently concreting the ramps and steps. The existing pool base is being cleaned and ready for wet deck installation and tiling. Myrtha will then complete the wall panels and liners.”
Myrtha pools being installed inside the pool hall at the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre
“Inside the pool hall, the pool frames and shells are now built and the process of concreting the seating, ramps and steps has begun. Once this is complete, wet decks will be installed and tiling will commence, then Myrtha will complete the liners.”
The building continues to take shape in the other internal spaces with wall framing works, wall and ceiling sheeting, painting, wall and floor tiling, aluminium windows and doors and joinery installation.
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Wulanda construction progresses
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkConstruction on Council’s largest ever infrastructure project the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre at Olympic Park Mount Gambier is progressing despite delays due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“If you drive past the development regularly or keep an eye on the monthly time lapse videos released by Council you would have seen a lot of activity on site during the past couple of months,” Project Sponsor Barbara Cernovskis said.
Head contractor BADGE Constructions is currently installing the roof on the facility.
"Now that the roof is being installed, we can really see the inside of the building starting to take shape. Crews are working on ceiling framing and closing the walls and partitions between the community spaces, amenities and office area."
There are currently about 80 people working on site each day and the total workforce is expected to reach about 120 in the coming months.
“The blockwork for the courts, amenity facilities and aquatics area has commenced, ongoing internal electrical, mechanical and plumbing services works continues as does structural steel works in the court area and western storage area.”
“1300 solar panels will also be installed in the coming weeks.”
The program of works is being amended and prioritised to address any delays and challenges due to the changing environment of COVID-19.
“It is challenging building in a COVID-19 environment, particularly due to periodic lockdowns hindering the procurement of goods and contractors from Victoria.”
“Border restrictions have made it difficult to secure the required trades on site and it has been a challenge to find specialist trades to undertake some of the jobs required,” Ms Cernovskis said.
The Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre will be life changing for our community and it will be worth the wait.
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Wulanda timber beam installation and roofing
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkBADGE Constructions, Williams Crane Hire and specialist timber beam erectors have made the most of the fine weather conditions on site at the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre at Olympic Park in recent days erecting 8 of the 13 HESS Timber rafters over the pool hall area. The largest of all, spanning 42 metres and weighing about 7 tonnes is being fitted over the pool hall in the video.
As a first step, a 160 tonne crane lifts the beams out of the storage area in the 50 metre pool to enable the plastic covering to be removed. The crane then lifts the rafter into place. The beams are placed in a temporary ‘birds mouth’ wooden construction on top of the columns to ensure the timber settles in place, before the 110 tonne crane is used to enable erectors to screw and bolt each end securely.
Plywood flooring is placed on top of the rafters to provide structural support to enable installers to walk on the surface when applying the roofing. SA Construct commercial roofing and cladding is on site using a mobile mill machine to roll the iron roofing sheets that measure 56 metres long. A team of 13 will wait in a line to receive 80 or so sheets today and combine them into packs of six ready for installation. The roofing will be rolled out in a staged approach. The four layer system will include placing foil, spaces and insulation down, and then another foil layer and iron sheeting to complete the roof. More than 400 iron roof sheets will be installed over the entire building.
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Timber beams arrive for Wulanda
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe longest single glulam timber beams ever shipped to Australia - spanning up to 42 metres, have been loaded on to two trucks to make the journey from the wharf in Port Melbourne to the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre construction site on Margaret Street in Mount Gambier South Australia today Tuesday 22 June 2021 and Thursday 24 June 2021.
The timber beams at Zeebrugee Port, Belgium. Image courtesy HESS TIMBER
13 full length glued laminated timber beams measuring 42 metres and two segmented beams were produced by German timber engineering project specialist HESS TIMBER for the pool hall within the $57.3 million Wulanda development.
The timber rafters were crafted at HESS TIMBER’s production facility in Kleinheubach, Germany. The beams departed from Zeebrugee Terminal in Belgium at the end of April and travelled approximately 25,000 kilometres via ocean to Australia as break-bulk-cargo, arriving at the wharf in Port Melbourne on Saturday 12 June 2021.
A specialist South Australian freight contractor used two mobile hydraulic cranes to unload the beams from the ocean freight platforms, called multi-purpose boogies (MPB), and on to each truck which will carry three to four timber beams to their destination in Mount Gambier over four loads.
The long and oversized loads will measure 2.5 metres wide and 49 metres in length. Three certified pilots will be required to escort the loads through Victoria to South Australia.
The trucks will travel under police escort and will follow a pre-approved traffic management plan.
The timber beams arrived at the wharf in Port Melbourne on Saturday 12 June 2021. Image courtesy of Sandstruct.
The travel route from Port Melbourne to Olympic Park in Mount Gambier:
- Kooringa Way, Port Melbourne,
- Webb Dock Road,
- West Gate Freeway,
- Princes Freeway,
- Hamilton Highway,
- Lismore – Skipton Road,
- Glenelg Highway,
- Dunkeld – Cavendish Road,
- Henty Highway,
- Glenelg Highway,
- Worrolong Road,
- Riddoch Hwy
- Bay Road,
- Margaret Street, Mount Gambier.
Learn more about the timber used for the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre with DesignInc Architect Ben Luppino and HESS TIMBER’s Tyson Infanti on the Timber Talks podcast.
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Wulanda Recreation & Convention Centre CRG meet
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre Stage 3 Community Reference Group (CRG) met for the first time last week.
The Stage 3 CRG will work with Council to provide input into the operational model and the activation of the major community centre currently under construction at Olympic Park on Margaret Street, Mount Gambier.
Council sought broad representation from the community with 20 CRG representatives selected from: education, allied health, early childhood, retirement and aged care, first nations, disability, community services, sporting/recreation clubs, swimming, basketball, netball and music/performing arts/events industry sectors.
“The CRG provides the opportunity for community members to contribute to the future operational model for this facility,” City of Mount Gambier Acting CEO Barbara Cernovskis said.
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New brand unveiled for Wulanda
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkCouncil has endorsed a new brand for the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre, as development continues on the major community facility on site at Olympic Park on Margaret Street.
The Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre was officially named in December 2020 following extensive community consultation for name suggestions and a public vote.
“Council really wanted to honour the cultural significance of the name Wulanda meaning ‘to cherish or enjoy’ and respectfully acknowledge the spiritual connection of our Boandik Peoples to the land and water that Mount Gambier sits upon today,” Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre Committee Presiding Member Councillor Ben Hood said.
Council commissioned local First Nations artist Belinda Bonney to create artwork to be incorporated within the centre’s brand identity. Adelaide Design Agency KWP worked with Ms Bonney to ensure design elements were incorporated respectfully within the logo and brand through culturally appropriate digital design elements.
“I’m really proud to be part of this process and to have my artwork, the symbol for waterways, included in the branding for the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre,” First Nations artist Belinda Bonney said.
“If we keep our waterways strong and flourishing for the next generation, we’ll be able to continue to meet, connect and enjoy being on Country, which is everything the centre will offer us when it is finished.”
The logo takes inspiration from the rounded corners featured within the design of the building and the overlapping shapes reinforce the idea of connection.
The intent behind the branding was to reflect the landmark nature of the facility, a space that will elevate and enhance community connection, wellbeing, culture and identity.
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Community Reference Group Applications open
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkCity of Mount Gambier is seeking applications from the community for the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre Stage 3 Community Reference Group (CRG).
The CRG provides an opportunity for members of the community to have input into the future operational model for the major centre currently being built at Olympic Park on Margaret Street, Mount Gambier.
"The committee is established by Council to provide considered advice to assist decision making on matters associated with the development of the centre," City of Mount Gambier Acting CEO Barbara Cernovskis said.
“The new CRG committee follows the work of the former CRG which was established in May 2018 to provide advice to assist Council with the initial planning stages of the development. As we move forward with the build, the Terms of Reference for the CRG have been updated to better reflect the construction and operational/activation phases of the project.”
The CRG seeks up to 21 individuals and representatives from the education sector, allied health sector, early childhood sector, retirement and aged care sector, first nations community, young persons (aged 12-25 years), disability sector, community services sector, sporting/recreation clubs, swimming, basketball, netball, music/performing arts/events industry and other community groups.
The committee will meet once every two months.
Apply today:
- read the Terms of Reference
- submit the online application; or
- download the hardcopy application. Hardcopies also available from the Council office at the Civic Centre, 10 Watson Terrace, Mount Gambier.
Applications must be received by 5:00pm on Wednesday 10 March 2021.
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Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre Update
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkConstruction on site at the Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre is moving quickly as head contractor BADGE Constructions makes progress on the development of the major two-story structure at Olympic Park on Margaret Street.
City of Mount Gambier City Infrastructure General Manager Nick Serle said loadbearing block walls had been erected within the building internally, in readiness for slab brace walls and concrete columns to support the structure.
“The installation of the foyer and emergency stair formwork is underway and footings excavation and concrete works have also begun in the sports courts area,” Mr Serle said.
The refurbishment of the existing outdoor 50 metre pool has commenced, in addition to initial works for the internal 25 metre pool, learn to swim pool, program pool and splash pad area.
“The stairs and handrails have been removed from the 50 metre pool and excavation, reinforcement and concrete works for the footings for the internal pools is underway.”
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Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkThe Community and Recreation Hub will now officially be known as Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre after Council endorsed the name for the facility being built at Olympic Park at its monthly meeting last night.
Wulanda means ‘enjoy or cherish’ in Bunganditj language, representing the Boandik community as the traditional owners of the land.
“The Bunganditj Language Reclamation committee feel that the choice, ‘Wulanda’ Recreation and Convention Centre is an excellent combination of Bunganditj and English,” Bunganditj Language Reclamation Committee member Aunty Michelle Jacquelin-Furr said.
“In terms of reconciliation it is important to recognise the long association with country of First Nations People and to acknowledge their place in modern society. The inclusion of Bunganditj in the name contributes to the healing process for the First Nations People and acknowledges our place on country, here in Berrin.”
Wulanda accounted for majority (44%) of the community vote during the consultation period from Friday 23 October 2020 to Friday 13 November 2020.
“Council received 143 submissions regarding the name for the building, with Wulanda the clear favourite, followed by Mount Gambier CoRe at 35% and Berrin at 21%,” City of Mount Gambier Acting CEO Barbara Cernovskis said.
Community preferences for the facility’s extended title were also presented to Council for consideration and endorsement.
“The preferred extended title was for Community, Sport and Recreation Hub at 57%, Sport Recreation and Entertainment Centre at 22% and Convention and Recreation Centre receiving 21% of the preferences.”
“After much deliberation Council decided that Recreation and Convention Centre was the best reflection of the social and economic benefits the facility will return to our community,” Ms Cernovskis said.
Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre was chosen following a total of 162 name suggestions provided during two rounds of community consultation to find a name in 2019.
"Community input into the naming process has been invaluable and Council thanks residents for their interest and contributions to find a name for what will be the largest facility of its type in our region."
“The Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre will feature state of the art aquatic fitness, sports, cultural, youth, café and creche facilities and Council is excited to take another important step towards bringing this project to life for our community.”
“Now that we have a name, Council will develop a brand that reflects the aspirations of the community for the facility to be a place that people want to visit, experience and return to,” Ms Cernovskis said.
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What's in a name? - Have your say now
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Linkedin Email this linkCity of Mount Gambier has shortlisted three potential names for the Community and Recreation Hub: Wulanda, Berrin and Mount Gambier CoRe. Council is calling on community members to make their preferences known and recommend an extended title for the new facility.
Council received 162 name suggestions following two rounds of community consultation to find a name in 2019.
“Council appreciates all of the contributions provided by the community and Elected Members had a difficult decision to whittle down the list of potential names,” City of Mount Gambier CEO Andrew Meddle said.
“Several names that incorporated First Nations language from the Bunganditj dictionary were suggested, representing the Boandik language of the traditional owners of the land.”
The Regional Sport and Recreation Centre Committee shortlisted three names that met the criteria for Council’s endorsement at its monthly meeting this week, including:
- Wulanda - Bunganditj language which means ‘enjoy, cherish’.
- Berrin - Bunganditj language which means ‘Mount Gambier’.
- Mount Gambier CoRe - an acronym for community and recreation that references centre, hub, heart.
The Bunganditj Language Reclamation Committee reviewed all community submissions and provided its support for the use of the two suggested Bunganditj names.
The following terms are also presented to the community to guide and inform Elected Members on community sentiment regarding an extended title for the new facility:
- Convention and Recreation Centre.
- Community, Sport and Recreation Hub.
- Sport, Recreation and Entertainment Centre.
"You may like the sound of Wulanda Convention and Recreation Centre, or perhaps Berrin Community, Sport and Recreation Hub. The community is now invited to tell us which combination of names they like best" Mr Meddle said.
To indicate your preferred name for the Community and Recreation Hub, complete the Name the Facility form.
“People without internet access are encouraged to visit the Library to lodge their online submission. One submission per registration is permitted,” Mr Meddle said.
Community consultation opens on Friday 23 October 2020 and will close on Friday 13 November 2020 with submissions presented to Council for consideration and a final decision.
“The name of the Community and Recreation Hub is important. It is the largest project that Council has ever undertaken and it needs a name and brand that reflects the aspirations of the community for the facility to be a place that people want to visit, experience and return to,” Mr Meddle said.
Construction Time-lapse Video
Follow Project
Process
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Initial Community Forum
Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre has finished this stage -
Council endorsed the pursuit of project funding
Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre has finished this stage -
Expression of Interest submitted for Federal Government funding
Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre has finished this stage -
Site visits to Sports and Recreation Facilities in Adelaide and the Barossa.
Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre has finished this stage -
Design Engagement - Stage 1
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Invitation Stage 2 Funding Application
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Intermediate Design and Financials
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Community Information Sessions
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Community Survey
Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre has finished this stage -
Submission for Funds
Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre has finished this stage -
Confirmation of Funding
Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre has finished this stage$15million Federal Government$10million State Government -
Detailed Design
Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre has finished this stage -
Select Tender Process
Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre has finished this stageSee you at ____?
Do you have an idea for the name of the new facility? -
Review of Facility Name Submissions
Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre has finished this stageReview and shortlisting of facility name submissions in preparation for community vote.
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Handover of Site
Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre has finished this stage -
Naming of Facility
Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre has finished this stageWulanda Recreation and Convention Centre was chosen following a community vote on three shortlisted names from the total of 162 name suggestions provided by the community.
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Construction
Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre is currently at this stage -
Facility Open
this is an upcoming stage for Wulanda Recreation and Convention CentreThe facility will be completed in Autumn 2022.
Photos
Important Documents
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Detailed Design - 2019
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Community and Recreation Hub - DETAILED DESIGN - 2019 (2.68 MB) (pdf)
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Community and Recreation Hub Fact Sheet 1 - Overall 2020 (3.18 MB) (pdf)
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Community and Recreation Hub Fact Sheet 2 - Aquatic Facilities - 2019 (1.25 MB) (pdf)
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Community and Recreation Hub Fact Sheet 3 - Court Facilities - 2019 (1.18 MB) (pdf)
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Community and Recreation Hub Fact Sheet 4 - Entertainment Facilities - 2019 (1.2 MB) (pdf)
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Project Update | February 2021 (3.47 MB) (pdf)
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Photos
Photos
Videos
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Click here to play video Lisa Thomas | Community Reference Group Community Reference Group member Lisa Thomas shares with us why she decided to join the group to inform the design process of the proposed Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre.
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Click here to play video Louise Adams and Andy Allison | Music and Culture Think Tank The proposed Mount Gambier Regional Sport and Recreation Centre is not just for sport. In the clip below, Louise Adams and Andy Allison talk about how local musos and those involved in the arts could potentially use the space.
Who's listening
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Phone 8721 2555 Email bcernovskis@mountgambier.sa.gov.au -
Phone 8721 2555 Email hgajic@mountgambier.sa.gov.au