Creating a Vibrant Hub of Community Connection

The City of Kwinana is excited to announce the William Bertram Community Hub initiative, a new opportunity to transform the William Bertram Community Centre into a welcoming, community-led space where residents can gather, connect and thrive.

Building on the successful Community Hub model at John Wellard Community Centre, this initiative aims to create a vibrant hub that reflects the unique character and needs of the Bertram community.

What is the Community Hub?

The Community Hub will be a welcoming space where community members can:

• Drop in for informal gatherings and social connections

• Access community information and resources

• Participate in community-led activities and programmes

• Enjoy a cuppa and conversation in a warm, inclusive environment

• Connect with others in their neighbourhood

• Share skills, knowledge and experiences

This initiative is being delivered through an Expression of Interest process for not-for-profit organisations who wish to partner with the City to activate the William Bertram Community Centre.

Why Bertram Needs a Community Hub

Bertram is a family-friendly suburb with a strong village feel, centred around the William Bertram Community Centre, Ascot Park and the Bertram shopping precinct. Through our community engagement for the Bertram Place Plan, residents told us they value:

• The strong neighbourhood feel and sense of community

• The convenient location of community facilities

• The potential for more vibrant community spaces

However, feedback also highlighted opportunities to:

• Create more welcoming spaces for community connection

• Provide more activities outside of working hours

• Support local community initiatives

• Enhance the vibrancy of the town centre

The Community Hub will address these priorities by creating a space that fosters community ownership, social connectivity, and inclusive participation.

The Wellard Success Story

The Community Hub concept has already proven successful at the John Wellard Community Centre, where Befriend Inc. has established a welcoming hub that brings people together and reduces social isolation.

The 'Wellard Community Lounge' provides:

• A welcoming "community living room" space

• Community information resources

• Volunteer-led hospitality and activities

• Opportunities for informal connection

This model has demonstrated how community-led spaces can transform underutilised community facilities into vibrant hubs of connection and belonging.

What's On Offer

For not-for-profit organisations interested in operating the William Bertram Community Hub:

• Free venue hire for designated spaces within the William Bertram Community Centre

• Support from City Officers for information provision and promotion

• Assistance with evaluation tools and measuring community impact

Please note that no direct funding is available through this Expression of Interest process. Successful applicants will need to demonstrate their capacity to deliver the proposed activities through their own resources, partnerships, or alternative funding sources.

Who Can Apply

We're seeking expressions of interest from not-for-profit organisations that can demonstrate:

• A commitment to community engagement and inclusion

• Experience in creating welcoming, accessible spaces

• Capacity to activate the Community Centre on a regular basis

• Innovative approaches to maximising community ownership and activation

• Ability to foster social connections and reduce isolation

• Sustainable operational models

How to Apply

1. Review the full Expression of Interest document to understand the requirements and evaluation criteria

2. Develop your proposal outlining how you would activate the William Bertram Community Centre

3. Submit your application by 2 May 2025

Key Objectives

The William Bertram Community Hub will contribute to the following community objectives:

• Maximising community ownership and activation: Transforming the community centre into a vibrant, community-led hub that reflects local needs and aspirations, fostering a sense of shared ownership and belonging.

• Promoting inclusivity and wellbeing: Creating opportunities for diverse community members to connect, participate and thrive.

• Enhancing social connectivity: Strengthening neighbourhood connections and reducing social isolation.

• Supporting community economic vitality: Fostering partnerships and opportunities that benefit local community groups and initiatives.

Get Involved

Even if you're not a not-for-profit organisation, there are many ways to get involved with the William Bertram Community Hub:

• Share your ideas for activities and programmes

• Volunteer your time and skills

• Participate in future community lounge activities

• Spread the word about this exciting initiative

Contact Us

For more information about the William Bertram Community Hub initiative, please contact:

Adam Morris
Coordinator Community Facilities Planning
P: 08 9236 4329
E: Adam.Morris@kwinana.wa.gov.au

The William Bertram Community Hub initiative is part of the City of Kwinana's commitment to creating connected, vibrant, safe, and inclusive places, as outlined in the Bertram Place Plan and the City's Social Strategy.