Tharwa Communal Centre Soil Turning Ceremony

Thursday was a historic day for Outward Bound Australia, as we broke ground on the site of our new Communal Centre. Set on site at our beautiful Tharwa Campus in the ACT, surrounded by huge eucalypt trees and noisy kookaburras, this was a significant moment for a project that has been over two years in the making. To see the first soil being dug was exciting to say the least, giving something tangible to what has been only plans and discussions thus far.

The new Communal Centre is a part of the reimagining of our Tharwa Campus, as we transform it into an exceptional outdoor learning campus to match our industry leading programs. The Centre will have a new dining hall able to cater for 140 people to match our cabin capacity, and be home to the National Centre for Outdoor Risk and Readiness (NatCORR).

Like with everything we do here at Outward Bound, we are prioritising the wellbeing of the environment throughout this project. In collaboration with Paul Palmer at Ethical Construction Projects, the Centre has been designed to work with the existing natural contours and landscape. We have positioned the building around old native trees, and it will be situated at varying heights to accommodate for the natural undulations of the terrain.

The day was a great one, with everyone from our two Board Co-Chairs – Dr Loren Miller and Jess Bulger – to representatives from ACT Tourism in attendance. Peta Duggan, our wonderful Community Engagement Manager made some delicious scones for everyone, and excited chats were had over cups of tea.

Thank you to everyone who came to the ceremony, and to all those who have contributed to the project so far; it’s been a huge effort! Special thanks to Sally Draper Architects, Paul Palmer at Ethical Construction Projects, and to our generous sponsors for their contributions.

If you’d like to contribute to the fundraising campaign for the new Communal Centre, please consider donating or contact us to get involved.