NEW upgrades to the ADRA Community Care Centre are set to improve safety and “dignity” for thousands of locals seeking support.
The Logan Central community centre is known for helping the city’s most vulnerable residents – whether it’s those struggling to afford groceries or others seeking shelter from a storm.
Every week, the centre delivers up to 200 food hampers to families in need and offers multiple free meal services, including evening and weekend soup kitchens.
It operates an on-site op shop and community resale store, and provides volunteering, employment-pathway and training opportunities, and qualifications in conservation, land management and hospitality.
The centre also offers emergency relief and practical assistance to people experiencing hardship, including those affected by domestic and family violence.
Upgrades unveiled last month included a full renovation of two ‘heavily-used’ bathroom facilities.
The project, undertaken between June and September this year, was delivered through a multi-organisation partnership between the International Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Foundation (IWSH), the Indigenous Plumbing and Sanitation Foundation (IPSF), ADRA, the Reece Foundation, the Plumbing Industry Climate Action Centre (PICAC) and WorldSkills Australia – providing hands-on skills development for young plumbers.
The project also received strategic and industry support from the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials – Oceania (IAPMO Oceania), the Master Plumbers’ Association of Queensland (MPAQ) and the Plumbers and Pipe Trades Employees Union Queensland (PPTEU Queensland).
Plumbing apprentices from the PICAC Beenleigh campus carried out much of the hands-on work.
WorldSkills Australia supported the project by repurposing materials from the 2025 National Championships and Skills Show.
“This partnership demonstrates what our sector can achieve when skills, collaboration and community purpose come together,” Paul Bonsak, the managing director of IAPMO Oceania and director of IWSH, said.
“ADRA provides vital support to families across Logan, and these improved amenities reflect our shared commitment to safety, dignity and practical impact.”
Rankin MP Jim Chalmers said the upgrades would make a “meaningful difference” to the local families who rely on the ADRA centre.
“Whether it’s food, clothing, training or practical help for people in hardship, the ADRA community centre plays an essential role in our area, and this substantial renovation will help these volunteers continue their important work in our community,” Dr Chalmers said.
“We’re really grateful for the efforts of the plumbing apprentices, not-for-profits, industry and other partners who made this project happen.”
Image: Jim Chalmers MP, Facebook
