BENTONS Square Community Centre has celebrated its 20th anniversary with a community gathering and afternoon tea.
On 22 October, community members, volunteers, staff, and local politicians gathered to celebrate the centre’s history and achievements.
The centre is a purpose-built facility that offers a range of cost effective activities for all age groups.
Centre manager, Kelly Johnson, said it was a fantastic celebration.
“We had over 100 people attend and the weather was great,” said Johnson.
With One Voice community choir sang a few songs in the courtyard before the group heard from Anne Shaw, who was the local councillor in 2006 and helped open the building.
“She was fantastic and gave us an insight into how the centre came about and she was quite instrumental in getting it built, along with a couple of the other councillors,” said Johnson.
Mornington MP Chris Crewther also spoke at the celebration, and current councillors Bruce Ranken and Paul Pingiaro were in attendance.
Johnson said they learned about the history of the centre and how the land was donated to the shire from a local resident, on the provision it would be purpose built for the community.
“It ended up being a really lovely day and there was afternoon tea and everyone was able to network and chat,” said Johnson.
“Thank you to all the people that were instrumental in getting it up and running and the continued support for the last 20 years, it’s been amazing.”
Johnson said the team were honoured by how many people attended and the positive comments made about the centre.
“It’s a council building and it’s run by a committee of management, so they’re volunteers.
“We’ve got minimal staff and then we rely on volunteer’s time.”
She said the centre has become more frequently used as a space for support groups.
“That’s really increased over the years and people feel comfortable to come and be supported,” said Johnson.
“We have all the support groups; medical and mental health, grief support, AA groups, and all those sorts of things.”
Johnson said the community sector has struggled with funding in recent times.
“It’s difficult with the rising costs of living and with a strict budget and trying to continue, and the demand in community needs continues to increase,” said Johnson.
“Our basis is to keep things affordable and reasonably priced. Hopefully, the future is we are here for another 20 years and continue servicing the community.”
First published in the Mornington News – 27 October 2026
