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Sport, weddings and rams in new multipurpose centre

Residents in the Shire of Kattaning in Western Australia are now availing themselves of the largest single stage recreation complex to be built in Western Australia and possibly the southern hemisphere.

The Kattaning Metro International Recreation and Leisure Centre was first mooted 15 years ago with serious planning commencing in 1992. Ultimately, the Centre was completed in 17 months at a cost $3.6 million. Funding included a State Grant of $1.1 million and a local fund raising campaign which raised $1.1 million in just six months. A major local industry Metro Meats, donated $100,000.

While Kattaning itself has just 5,500 people, it is a regional centre for many other towns serving a much broader population. The new Centre caters for a wide range of sports including basketball, netball, soccer, tennis and badminton. Corporate boxes and broadcast rooms are incorporated into the design.

The high standard of the new facility means local sporting clubs can attract competition at State grade and higher. Other facilities include a gymnasium, creche, meeting rooms, bar and a function room accommodating up to 250 people.

Facilities for people with a disability have been incorporated into the design and plans are underway to form a local basketball team for the disabled. Already the Centre is in high demand not only for the sporting facilities it offers but as a community facility. Chris Andrich, Council's Recreation Officer said a number of weddings and 21st birthday celebrations have already been held with many more booked for the coming months.

"It is the best location in the Shire for a wide range of activities," he said. "The Centre provides everything needed to hold a successful function."

Offices in the building are available for use by outside organisations, including the Sheepbreeders Association and the Agricultural Society Uniquely, the Centre doubles as the region's ram sales pavilion. Once a month ram sales take place indoors on the Centre's two asphalt courts.

A large roller door opens after the sales to allow ride on sweepers access for cleaning. In August, the largest ram sale held in the State is scheduled for the Centre. The Multipurpose community facility was opened in June by Premier Richard Court.

For further information contact Troy Jones or Chris Andrich, telephone (08) 9821 4399.

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