THE Bridgeley Church of Christ recently achieved a significant milestone.
Originally given a 25 year loan for the Bridgeley Community Centre, the Church has managed to pay this off after just eight years purely through generous member donations.
The total generated by members is over $700,000.
The building, adjacent to the Northam Town Hall and Northam Lesser Hall, is used seven days a week by all the community.
Meeting rooms can accommodate three-four people or as many as 300 people.
Bridgeley Church of Christ treasurer Les Holten said paying off the debt was a massive achievement especially in such a short time.
“We are now entering the next phase not to be encumbered to raise these funds,” he said.
Pastor Neil Owers agreed, saying paying off the money would have a wider positive impact.
“We want to continually invest into the community, so with the debt gone it gives us a broader scope to do that,” he said.
The two said it was pleasing the Bridgeley Community Centre has been recognised as a hub for various activities and events since its official launch on November 3, 2007.
In attendance on the day of the launch eight years ago was then Federal Member for Pearce Judi Moylan.
Mrs Moylan joined the Member for Avon, Mr Max Trenorden MLA, the new Shire of Northam president Steven Pollard and members of the Northam community in cutting the ribbon at the official opening of the Centre.
At the 2007 launch, Mrs Moylan congratulated the Bridgeley Community Centre director, Shirley Smyth, who was instrumental in getting the centre built.
“I met with Mrs Smyth on several different occasions to discuss the Centre,” she said.
“Her dedication to the project and commitment to the people of Northam is truly inspiring.”