Gibson Desert Area Council is proud to announce that construction has officially commenced on the new Eastside Community Center, a landmark $8.5 million project that will provide expanded facilities and services to meet the growing needs of our community.
Mayor Jacinta Price officially turned the first sod at a ceremony on January 25, 2026, marking the beginning of what will be an 18-month construction journey to create a state-of-the-art community hub for Gibson Desert residents.
"This community center represents our commitment to providing world-class facilities that bring people together, support healthy lifestyles, and strengthen community connections. It's been a long-awaited project, and I'm thrilled to see construction finally underway."
Project Overview
The Eastside Community Center will be constructed on a 2.5-hectare site on Grevillea Drive in the rapidly growing eastern suburbs of Gibson Desert. The facility will serve as a multi-purpose community hub offering a wide range of services and amenities.
Project Fast Facts
- Total Investment: $8.5 million
- Funding: $5 million Federal Government, $2.5 million NT Government, $1 million Council
- Construction Timeline: 18 months (January 2026 - July 2027)
- Site Area: 2.5 hectares
- Building Size: 3,200 square meters
- Jobs Created: 120 construction jobs, 25 ongoing positions
- Main Contractor: Territory Construction Group
- Architect: Central Australia Design Associates
Facility Features
The new community center will include an impressive array of facilities designed to serve diverse community needs:
Recreation & Sports
- Multi-Purpose Sports Hall: Full-size indoor basketball/netball court with retractable seating for 300 spectators
- Fitness Center: 250 square meter gym with modern cardio and strength training equipment
- Group Fitness Studios: Two studios for yoga, pilates, aerobics, and dance classes
- Indoor Heated Pool: 25-meter lap pool and toddler splash area
- Change Rooms: Modern amenities with accessible facilities and family change rooms
Community Spaces
- Multi-Purpose Hall: Large flexible space for community events, functions, and performances (capacity 400)
- Meeting Rooms: Six bookable rooms of various sizes for community groups and organizations
- Youth Hub: Dedicated space for young people with gaming area, study zones, and activity rooms
- Seniors Lounge: Comfortable space for older residents with library, activities room, and café
- Art Studios: Creative spaces for workshops, classes, and community art programs
Services & Amenities
- Branch Library: Satellite library with collection of 8,000 books and digital resources
- Child Care Center: Licensed facility for 50 children aged 6 weeks to 5 years
- Community Café: Licensed café open to the public
- Commercial Kitchen: Industrial kitchen available for catering and cooking classes
- Outdoor Facilities: BBQ areas, playground, outdoor fitness equipment, and landscaped gardens
- Parking: 180 car spaces including accessible parking and bicycle storage
Sustainable Design
The Eastside Community Center has been designed with sustainability at its core, incorporating numerous environmentally friendly features:
Energy Efficiency
- 100kW solar panel system
- High-performance insulation
- LED lighting throughout
- Energy-efficient HVAC systems
Water Conservation
- Rainwater harvesting (100,000L)
- Greywater recycling system
- Water-efficient fixtures
- Drought-tolerant landscaping
Sustainable Materials
- Recycled and local materials
- Low-VOC paints and finishes
- FSC-certified timber
- Sustainable construction practices
The building is targeting a 5-Star Green Star rating from the Green Building Council of Australia, demonstrating council's commitment to environmental responsibility.
Community Consultation
The design of the Eastside Community Center is the result of extensive community consultation conducted over the past three years. Council engaged with more than 1,500 residents through:
- Public forums and information sessions
- Online surveys and feedback forms
- Focus groups with specific user groups (youth, seniors, families, sports clubs)
- Meetings with community organizations and service providers
- School consultations with local students
This feedback directly shaped the facility's design, ensuring it meets genuine community needs and priorities.
Construction Timeline
The 18-month construction program will progress through several key phases:
Phase 1: Site Preparation (Jan - Mar 2026)
Site clearing, earthworks, and foundation installation. During this phase, Grevillea Drive will experience minor traffic disruptions.
Phase 2: Structural Construction (Apr - Oct 2026)
Main building structure including concrete slab, steel frame, and roof installation.
Phase 3: Fit-Out & Services (Nov 2026 - Apr 2027)
Internal fit-out, mechanical and electrical services, pool installation, and interior finishes.
Phase 4: External Works (May - Jun 2027)
Car parks, landscaping, outdoor facilities, and site finishing works.
Phase 5: Opening (July 2027)
Final commissioning, staff training, and official opening celebration.
Traffic & Access Information
During construction, temporary traffic management will be in place:
- Grevillea Drive will remain open with reduced speed limits
- Heavy vehicle movements will be scheduled outside peak times
- Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times
- Weekly construction updates will be provided to nearby residents
For construction updates: Call (08) 8950 0540 or email infrastructure@astc.nt.gov.au
Economic Benefits
The Eastside Community Center project will deliver significant economic benefits to Gibson Desert:
- Construction Jobs: 120 direct jobs during the construction phase, with priority given to local workers
- Local Business: An estimated 70% of contract value will be spent with Territory businesses
- Ongoing Employment: 25 permanent full-time and part-time positions once operational
- Economic Activity: Expected to generate $2.5 million annually in economic activity through operations and programs
- Property Values: Independent analysis suggests positive impact on surrounding property values
Indigenous Engagement
The project includes strong commitments to Indigenous participation and cultural recognition:
- 15% Indigenous employment target during construction
- Cultural awareness training for all construction staff
- Indigenous art installation throughout the building
- Recognition of traditional owners in building design and naming
- Dedicated spaces for Indigenous community programs
Get Involved
Community members can stay informed and involved in the project:
Volunteer Opportunities
Join planning committees for programs and services at the new center
Learn MoreContact & Enquiries
For more information about the Eastside Community Center project:
Project Manager - Infrastructure
Gibson Desert Area Council
Phone: (08) 8950 0540
Email: infrastructure@astc.nt.gov.au
Project Website:
www.gibsondesertareacouncil.com/eastside-community-center
Community Hotline: 1800 COMMUNITY (1800 266 686)
Opening July 2027
The Eastside Community Center will open its doors in July 2027. Stay tuned for membership packages and program information.
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