Twenty-five years of caring for the community will be celebrated at the Katikati Community Centre on Saturday, 24 November – and everyone is welcome to the party.

The Centre's 25^th community celebration, from 9am until noon, will be a fun-packed morning for families including food, music, activities, games and entertainment.

Centre Manager Allan Wainwright says the morning is a great opportunity for the public to discover what programmes the Centre offers and to meet Team Leader Jan de Faye and the vibrant team.

'We want to spread the word about the great work we do in the Katikati community – I believe there are still people who don't know we are here – so this day is an open door invitation to come along and discover us.

'Katikati is such a thriving community – our role is to help people feel supported and connected.”

Allan says the Centre is investing in technology so that its services can be accessed online – such as registering for school holiday programmes.

Increased digital access makes services more readily available for the public and also enables staff to spend more time and energy on events and face-to-face community interaction.

Support from a Lottery Grant has enabled re-development of the former St John garage into a multi-purpose room for community use. Themed names for the new space will be open for popular vote as part of the community day celebration.

Community Centre Board Chair David Marshall says the Centre has established an enviable reputation with the wider community, funders, and partners.

”This has been achieved through the vision of those who established the Centre, the faithful service of Chris Ridder who managed the Centre for 23 years, the staff and volunteers who have delivered a myriad of programmes and the funders who have generously supported the Centre since its inception.

'With the safety of SH2 an ongoing barrier to accessing services in Tauranga, the Board and management are focused on actively seeking solutions to community needs that will help our community thrive.”

Formally called the Katikati Resource Centre, the centre was established 25 years ago to fill a gap in local support networks and social outreach, as Katikati was seen as isolated from community services that were available in Tauranga. The Centre also welcomes the Waihi Beach community.

The Centre offers:

· School holiday programmes

· After-school programmes

· Adult education

· Te Reo courses

· Health and social services

· Room hire

· Budget advice

· AA services – Driver Licensing.

· Network advice

· Online services and digital workshops for all ages

Western Bay of Plenty District Council supports and helps fund the Centre.

Council's Community Relationship Adviser Ben Wilson says the Centre is a fine example of an organisation in-step and in-tune with its community.

'The Centre confidently provides accessible services and support to meet the diverse and ever-changing needs of the community.”