Performers connect with the community in the great outdoors

Members of the centre regularly use Timothy Reserve, which is adjacent to Hurstville Oval in Hurstville to rehearse.

To make it easier for them to go through their paces in comfort, Georges River Council has just installed of a 150-square metre rubber soft fall surface and a shade structure.

The money was made available through State Government’s Stronger Communities Fund Program.

The council has awarded more than 25 local community groups a share of $1 million in funding through the program.

The space at Timothy Reserve is used by the St George Arts and Entertainment Centre for dancing and singing practice in preparation for upcoming local festivals and events.

Members of the organisation provide traditional Chinese dancing, singing, waist drum and catwalk performances.

Georges River Administrator John Rayner said the space provides the community with a location where they can connect socially.

“The informal outdoor training undertaken at the reserve attracts up to 80 people at each rehearsal,” Mr Rayner said.

“It’s an important place for many people to meet, particularly members of the St George Arts and Entertainment Centre who rehearse there three times a week,” he said.

“The project undertaken at the reserve encourages activity, which enhances the physical and mental well-being of members of the organisation, and helps reduce the growing problem of social isolation.

“The general community also benefit, as this is a public space for everyone in the Georges River area.”

The St George Arts and Entertainment Centre provides a social program for the culturally and linguistically diverse Asian community, by encouraging activity for residents that may feel isolated in Australia.

The members of the organisation have an indoor training location on Queens Road, Hurstville, but they meet informally at Timothy Reserve to provide greater connection to the community.