When it opened its doors in 1979 on the site of an old electricity pole storage yard in Penshurst, it was meant to be a simple neighbourhood centre.

But over the years it has adapted to meet the complex needs of a rapidly changing community.

Centre director Kim Buhagiar outlined some of these changes in her speech at the Pole Depot's 30th anniversary celebration dinner at the Mortdale RSL Club last Wednesday.

"Young people face increasing pressures,'' Ms Buhagiar said. "Today's world is vastly different and has many challenges such as drugs and alcohol, racial tension, homelessness and sexual demands.''

The centre had seen increasing numbers of single parent families and demand for child care, she said.

There were increased new arrivals and changing demographics, plus more carers, people looking after someone with a disability or the frail elderly, and the ever-increasing numbers of people with dementia. As Pole Depot Community Centre chairwoman, Lesley Pullen said: "It has evolved from its beginnings as just a neighbourhood centre which supported the community of Penshurst, and now has programs to support all of St George and for people for all ages from the cradle to the grave.''

The centre sees about 500 people a week and provides services and support for people with serious disabilities, before and after school care for children aged 5 to 12 years, vacation care, support groups, and respite for carers and youth services including a drop-in centre, street outreach programs and activities.

After helping so many people over the years, the centre needs help from the community to continue its work.

Details: 9580 0688.

Has the Pole Depot helped you? Click on the comment link below to share your story.