Pavilion opening starts another chapter for Tailem Bend’s community hub
Tailem Bend Community Centre is expanding its presence at the former station master's house.
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A strong crowd has gathered at Tailem Bend’s historic Station Master’s House for the official opening of a new pavilion, marking another significant achievement for the Tailem Bend Community Centre.
The Station Master Pavilion, which opened on Friday, will provide a welcoming, sheltered space for residents and community groups to gather, connect, learn and participate in activities and events.
Community centre CEO Tammy Shepherd said the pavilion was much more than simply a new structure.
“It is a community asset that will provide a welcoming, functional and sheltered space for people to gather, connect, learn and participate,” she said.
“The facility will strengthen the centre’s ability to support community wellbeing and create new opportunities for people to come together in an inclusive environment.”
The project was made possible through significant support from funding partners, with Community Centres SA, the Australian Hotels Association SA and Clubs SA through the Independent Gaming Corporation contributing $16,830, while the Aurizon Community Giving Fund contributed $15,100, excluding GST.
Ms Shepherd thanked the funding organisations, describing their support as an investment in “community connection, participation, resilience and wellbeing”.
She also acknowledged the centre’s board of management, staff, volunteers, and contractors whose work helped bring the project to completion.
The pavilion, which includes an outdoor kitchen, sits alongside the beautifully restored Station Master’s House – another major community project that has transformed a once-neglected historic property into a valuable community facility.
The new space will provide opportunities for shared meals, community programs, workshops, celebrations, and social activities, further enhancing the site as a place for people to connect.
At Friday's opening are Trudy Stanley, Teresa O'Brien and John Sparrow; Jason Morris and Jason and Luke Stewart; Julie Halls; Sharon Coombe; Tammy Shepard and Don Wood; and Peter Nearmy. Photos: Glenn Power.
The opening was a celebration not only of a new facility, but of what can be achieved when community organisations, businesses, volunteers, and residents work together.
The initiative by the Tailem Bend Community Centre will turn community spirit into something tangible that will benefit the town for years to come.
