Early accesslast update deployed 20 Aug 2026, 11:49 am ACST
CouncilTracer
Sign in
← Sample reports

A real timeline report · built 21 July 2026 at 04:18 pm ACST

Pasadena Community Centre 2021 to July 2026

Contents

Executive summary

The Pasadena Community Centre traces its origins to a 2021 tip-off from local residents that the former Sea Scout Hall at 47 Adelaide Terrace, Pasadena, was for sale, prompting Council to bid at auction and purchase the building [15][14][17]. What followed was a staged process: a "trial activation" phase from October 2022 through mid-2023 that delivered hundreds of programs and thousands of visits [2][5][6][17], a set of major Council decisions in August 2023 that locked in an operating model, staffing, and a builtform/capital budget [3][4], a physical redevelopment carried out through 2024–2025 with the centre temporarily relocated to 31a Magdalene Terrace [18][10], and a re-opening celebration in August 2025 followed by a formal ribbon-cutting reported in September 2025 [16][13][11]. Ongoing governance items — a deferred IT/AV funding decision in January 2025 [8] and a January 2026 service model review tying Pasadena's staffing to state grant funding through 2029–2032 [9] — show the centre's operations and resourcing continuing to evolve into 2026.

Across the record, funding figures for the capital works are not fully consistent between sources (a $3.123 million Council commitment is cited repeatedly [4][18][16], while one September 2025 article cites $2.134 million [13]), and the exact wording of the August 2023 built-form resolution is cut off in the minutes excerpt available [4]. These points are flagged below as open questions.

Timeline

September 2021 — Purchase initiated

City of Mitcham took steps to open a community centre in Pasadena following the identification of the former Sea Scout Hall at 47 Adelaide Terrace as available for purchase [15]. St Marys residents Jody Moate and Norah Frost alerted Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross and Cr Yvonne Todd that the building was for sale and suited to community use; within two weeks Council staff had the property valued and assessed, and Councillors voted unanimously to allow Council to bid for the property at auction [15]. The building, constructed in 1967, already had land-use rights as a community hall, a car park, and a large open-space easement, with potential for additional parking at an adjacent drainage reserve [15]. A report on options and costs for using the property as a community centre was flagged to come to Council [15].

Late 2021 — Purchase completed

City of Mitcham purchased the former Sea Scout Hall at 47 Adelaide Terrace, Pasadena [14][17][13][16]. The centre was intended to serve residents of Bedford Park, Panorama, Pasadena, St Marys, Eden Hills, Lynton, Clapham, Bellevue Heights, Daw Park and Melrose Park [17][14].

October 2022 — Centre set to open, programs announced

Council announced the centre was set to open, with a Project Manager to be appointed to activate the site [14]. Funding of $500,000 from State Government and $300,000 from Federal Government had been secured for the project [14]. A program of opening activities was publicised, including a Community BBQ, a Community Choir ("Tuesday Tune-ups"), an Introduction to Small Business course, Halloween Makeup sessions, a Game Café and Friendship Club, and Coffee and Chat sessions for St Marys and Pasadena residents [14]. Community Development Manager Sean McNamara described the opportunity as one many residents had waited years for [14].

January 2023 — Activation continues; Advisory Group formed

The centre welcomed its first visitors following the first phase of the activation project, with an aim to fully redevelop the site by June 2024 in consultation with the community [17]. Works completed included plumbing upgrades to toilets and kitchen, painting, new entrance doors, a disabled parking bay and access ramp, and external pathways; a roller shutter door was replaced with windows and a door to improve light and accessibility [17]. Activation funding of $500,000 came from the SA Government (delivering on a Malinauskas Government election commitment via Member for Elder Nadia Clancy MP), with a further $300,000 pledged by the Federal Government [17]. Early activities included a free little library, a kitchen garden, a weekly community choir, coffee-and-chat catch-ups, games afternoons, exercise classes and school holiday activities [17]. St Marys resident Sandy Ahmed created a chalk mural depicting local wildlife in the centre [17]. From January 2023, a Pasadena Community Advisory Group of 8 diverse community members began meeting monthly, informing Council's advice and programming activation [2].

October 2022 – June 2023 — Trial activation results

Over this "activation period," the centre delivered more than 190 events, activities and programs, attracting 2,500+ visitations from residents aged 3 weeks to 93 years [2]. A related count as of 30 June 2023 recorded 200+ activities/programs and 2,200+ visits [5][6].

11 July 2023 — Related Pasadena matter: Spiers Avenue trees deputation

At the 11 July 2023 Council meeting, Mrs Laura McKay of Pasadena was granted permission to address Council regarding Item 13.1 — Cr Aidan Greenshields – Spiers Avenue, Pasadena Trees, and took questions from Council Members [1]. This item concerned trees in Spiers Avenue, Pasadena, and is not directly about the Community Centre, but is noted here as a contemporaneous Pasadena-related Council matter involving Babbage Ward Councillor Aidan Greenshields [1].

22 August 2023 — Major Council decisions on operating model and built form

Item 5.1, "Pasadena Community Centre Resourcing and Facility Upgrades," was decided in two parts.

Decision 1 – Future Operating Model: Cr Todd moved a motion (seconded Cr Greenshields) to endorse a Council-operated model, resourced and programmed by Council staff in collaboration with a Community Advisory Group and community partners; 54 hours per week of operation across six days including four weekday evenings and both weekend days; 2.5 FTE staffing (with volunteer hours also required); and noting successful grant funding of $99,038 per annum over three years (from 1 July 2023, with a 3+3 year extension option) from the SA Department of Human Services Community and Neighbourhood Development Grant Scheme [3]. A formal motion that "the question be put," moved by Cr Bange, lapsed for want of a seconder [3]. The substantive motion was re-moved by Cr Todd with an additional point requiring Administration to report to Council six-monthly on facility usage, seconded by Cr Greenshields, and declared CARRIED [4]. A division was called by Cr Todd and the decision was set aside; the recorded vote was For: Cr Bange, Cr Bhagat, Cr Moss, Cr McCarthy, Cr Morrison, Cr Greenshields, Cr Todd, Cr Wells; Against: Cr Hockley, Cr Kruse, Cr George, Cr Tilley; the Mayor declared the motion carried [4].

A further motion moved by Cr Hockley (seconded Cr Bange) instructed Administration to report on the process, timeline and resourcing needed to investigate services required at community centres at Tiwu Kumangka and the existing Hawthorn Community Centre, including community consultation, using the same process applied to Pasadena [4]. A division was called by Cr Hockley; the decision was carried unanimously (For: all twelve named Councillors; Against: Nil) [4].

Decision 2 – Future Built Form: Cr Greenshields moved (seconded Cr McCarthy) to proceed with "Design Concept 3 – Council Determined," including a keyless door entry system, heating for the main hall, an additional kitchenette, an activity room extension (9.7×3m), a tool library, and provision for alternative accommodation during construction [4]. The motion noted an estimated total project value of at least $2.8 million plus itemised additional costs (keyless entry $20,000; heating $40,000; kitchenette $27,000; activity room extension $163,000; tool library $33,000; alternative accommodation $40,000), and noted the project had received a $500,000 State Government contribution and a $300,000 Federal Government commitment [4]. With leave of the meeting, the motion was varied to insert a total capital value of $3.123 million into the resolution [4]. The minutes excerpt available breaks off at the point the substantive motion (moved Cr Greenshields) is restated, so the final resolved wording is not fully captured in the source record [4].

12 September 2023 — Status reported to Council

Item 15.1, "Activating Pasadena Community Centre," reported the project as 90% complete, reiterating the 30 June 2023 activation figures (200+ activities/programs, 2,200+ visits), the $109K per annum (GST inclusive) State Government grant over three years, and noting that decisions on resourcing and building concept had been progressed to Council in August 2023 [5].

21 November 2023 — Key Projects status update

Item 10.2, "Key Projects," again listed "Activating Pasadena Community Centre" at 90% complete, repeating the same activation statistics and grant funding details as the September report [6].

14 May 2024 — Program and connection focus reported

Item 15.3, covering October 2023 (Q2) to March 2024 (Q3), described the centre's aim of building stronger social connections to combat loneliness, improve well-being and foster a safer community, referring to its spaces as the "lounge" and "backyard" designed to encourage interaction across ages, backgrounds and abilities [7].

2023–24 financial year — Annual Report service metrics

The 2023-24 Annual Report noted that the Council's Immunisation Service was extended to Pasadena Community Centre as part of a broader expansion of community immunisation delivery, alongside Storytime-based vaccination promotion at Tiwu Kumangka and Mitcham Memorial Library [19].

September 2024 — Major redevelopment under way; relocation

The article "Pasadena Community Centre upgrade under way" reported that a major upgrade was proceeding at Adelaide Terrace, Pasadena, with City of Mitcham working with Troppo Architects on a design retaining the character of the 1960s building while raising the roof structure for better ventilation, light and cooling, and opening the building to the rear garden [18]. Planned works included a kitchen upgrade serving the main hall and an outdoor community café, additional toilets, main hall heating, an additional kitchenette, an activity room extension, and a toy library [18]. Community Connection Manager Sean McNamara noted the aim to continue programming during the renovation given a year of successful programs in Pasadena and St Marys [18]. From Tuesday 10 September 2024, the centre relocated to 31a Magdalene Terrace, with some popular programs moved to other Council venues and coffee-and-chat access maintained at the building during programming hours [18]. The project was funded by a $3.123 million Council commitment, supported by $500,000 from the SA Government (Minister for Infrastructure and Transport) and $300,000 from a Federal Government election pledge [18]. Three community information sessions were scheduled across wards — at Mitcham Cultural Village (21 September), Tiwu Kumangka (26 October), and Cumberland Park Community Centre (7 November) [18].

December 2024 — Construction progress reported

In his Babbage Ward column, Cr Aidan Greenshields reported the Pasadena Community Centre redevelopment "well under way," with the roof removed and further foundations poured, the frame of the future building visible rising from the shell of the old structure [10]. He noted the centre's activities had been relocated to a rental house at 31a Magdalene Terrace and congratulated the community that had driven the project [10].

28 January 2025 — IT and Audio Visual funding item deferred

Item 10.5, "Pasadena Community Centre IT & Audio Visual provisions funding timing – Item for Future Decision," was moved by Cr Greenshields (seconded Cr Todd) that the item be received for information only; the motion carried unanimously [8].

August 2025 — Centre celebrates opening

The article "Pasadena Community Centre set to open" reported the new centre was set to open its doors after the major upgrade, with extended opening hours and new programs [16]. An opening event was held on Tuesday 5 August from 9.30am, including performances by the Community Choir and an Outdoor Messy Play session [16]. Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross said the project had been "driven by the community from the outset" and would help build a "strong, vibrant and resilient community" [16]. Council's capital pledge was reported as $3.123 million, supported by $500,000 from the SA Government and $300,000 from a Federal Government election pledge [16]. The centre, designed by Troppo Architects and constructed by Cook Building, retained character features of the 1960s building with a focus on sustainability: a raised roof for ventilation, light and cooling; opening to the rear garden; verandahs; bulk insulation; internal/external glazing; and recycled elements including solar panels and original hardwood jarrah floors [16]. The building included an upgraded kitchen serving the main hall and an outdoor community café, additional toilets, kitchenette and expanded activity room [16]. Opening hours increased to six days, including evenings on four weekdays and Saturdays, with Sundays added from October 2025 [16]. Jody Moate, City of Mitcham's Active Citizen of the Year 2024 and co-instigator of the project with Norah Frost, described the new building as cooler, warmer, more inclusive and accessible, calling it a "third place" for the community [16]. Cr Yvonne Todd's Babbage Ward report described the 5 August open day as "a major celebration" marking the first time the area had a local Council facility, noting the community was "embracing it with passion" [11].

September 2025 — Official opening / ribbon-cutting reported

The article "Pasadena Community Centre now open!" reported the centre had thrown open its doors "last month" (i.e., August 2025) following the major upgrade [13]. Member for Boothby Louise Miller-Frost MP and Member for Elder Nadia Clancy MP joined Mayor Dr Heather Holmes-Ross to cut the ribbon [13]. The article reported Council's pledge as $2.134 million to upgrade the centre, supported by $500,000 from the SA Government and $300,000 from the Federal Government election pledge, and noted State and Federal governments contributed $167,000 towards a $202,000 Changing Places facility, with Council funding the balance [13]. Attendees included Councillors, staff, and representatives from Troppo Architects and Cook Building, along with hundreds of community members enjoying a choir performance and Nature Play activities [13]. Pasadena resident Florence Patching, 93, who remembered the original Sea Scout Hall, said she was "thrilled with the new centre," having enjoyed being part of the choir and making friends [13]. Opening hours were confirmed as six days, including evenings on four weekdays and Saturdays, with Sundays added from October 2025 [13].

27 January 2026 — Community Centre Service Model review

Item 10.5, "Community Centre Service Model," presented to Council, described how Pasadena Community Centre and Blackwood Community Centre combine to provide seven-day-a-week access to community centres [9]. Resourcing models were described as "particularly lean," with 2.5 FTE allocated to Pasadena and 3.0 FTE to Tiwu Kumangka — less than a quarter of overall library resourcing — deliberately set lean to minimise ratepayer cost, with volunteers used to ensure multiple people are on site at all times [9]. The report noted Administration had secured ongoing State Government grant funding from the Department of Human Services (Community and Neighbourhood Development Program) to fund 1 FTE at Pasadena, and that this funding had "just been extended" for a further three years through to June 2029, with an option for one further three-year extension beyond that [9]. In total this would bring grant-funded resourcing to nearly $1 million over a nine-year period from 2023 through to 2032, contributing to the overall 2.5 FTE at Pasadena, with Council funding the residual (approximately) 1.5 FTE [9].

Key findings

  • The Pasadena Community Centre originated from a resident-led tip-off in 2021 about the sale of the former Sea Scout Hall, leading to a unanimous Council vote to bid for the property [15].
  • The project proceeded through a trial "activation" phase (late 2022 to mid-2023) that generated substantial community usage (190–200+ activities/programs, 2,200–2,500+ visits) before Council made formal decisions on a permanent operating model and building redevelopment [2][5][6][17].
  • The 22 August 2023 Council meeting was the pivotal decision point, endorsing a Council-operated, 2.5-FTE, 54-hours-per-week service model and a $3.123 million capital redevelopment (Design Concept 3), co-funded by $500,000 from the SA Government and $300,000 from the Federal Government, with votes recorded by division on multiple motions [3][4].
  • A related Council motion in the same meeting extended the "Pasadena process" (consultation and resourcing investigation) to Tiwu Kumangka and the Hawthorn Community Centre, carried unanimously [4].
  • Physical redevelopment ran through September 2024 to mid-2025, with the centre operating from a temporary site at 31a Magdalene Terrace during construction [18][10].
  • The rebuilt centre opened to the community on 5 August 2025, with a later reported ribbon-cutting event involving state and federal MPs and the Mayor [16][13][11].
  • Governance of the centre continued after opening, including a January 2025 decision to defer/receive-for-information an IT and Audio Visual funding item [8], and a January 2026 report reviewing the combined Pasadena/Blackwood service model and confirming extended state grant funding for staffing through to 2029 (with an option to 2032) [9].
  • Reported capital funding figures are inconsistent across sources: $3.123 million is cited in the August 2023 decision, the September 2024 article, and the August 2025 article [4][18][16], while the September 2025 "now open" article cites $2.134 million [13].

Open questions

  • The full resolved wording of the 22 August 2023 "Decision 2 – Future Built Form" substantive motion is not fully captured in the minutes excerpt provided, which breaks off after "That Council:" [4].
  • The source material does not reconcile the discrepancy between the $3.123 million capital figure (cited in [4], [18], [16]) and the $2.134 million figure cited in [13]; it is unclear whether these refer to different funding components (e.g., core build vs. total including Changing Places facility) or reflect a reporting inconsistency.
  • The record does not show a specific "ground-breaking" event date for the redevelopment; December 2024 reporting describes construction as "well under way" with roof removed and foundations poured, but no discrete ground-breaking ceremony is documented in the material provided [10].
  • It is not clear from the record whether Administration delivered the six-monthly usage reports on the facility that were mandated as part of the 22 August 2023 Decision 1 resolution [4].
  • The material does not show the outcome or further discussion of the January 2025 "Pasadena Community Centre IT & Audio Visual provisions funding timing" item beyond it being received for information only; no subsequent funding decision is recorded [8].
  • The relationship between the July 2023 Spiers Avenue trees deputation [1] and the Community Centre project itself is not established in the record; it appears to be an unrelated Pasadena matter raised by Cr Greenshields.

This was built from a handful of cited questions. Sign in to build your own, or see how it works.

More samples: Blackwood Recreation Centre — lease & governance 2021 to August 2026 · Brown Hill Creek Dam — Timeline Report 2011 - 2018 · Lynton green waste service — paid to free 2015 to 2026 · Blackwood land sale September 2016 to July 2026 · Hawthorndene Oval Community Facility August 2021 to July 2026 · Woodlake Reserve & WRAG 2021 to July 2026 · Cumberland Park & Daw Park traffic study 2023 to July 2026 · Heritage Tram Pole November 2022 to July 2026