Bridgetown hub relaunch: new branding to increase inclusivity

A community hub in the Lower South West has undergone a brand makeover in a bid to increase inclusivity and encourage connection, collaboration and contribution in the town.

From the beginning of this month, the Bridgetown Family and Community Centre — a fixture in town since 1987 — will be known as the Bridgetown Hub and will focus on supporting the entire community.

The refresh — funded by the Department of Communities under the Empowering Communities Program — includes a new logo and branding and was officially launched at a gathering of community groups on February 8.

Centre Manager Jenni Oliver said to ensure that the facility is an inclusive space for everyone in town, the management and committee wanted to have a name to reflect this.

“Bridgetown Hub will be doing all the same things as the BFCC, but we want everyone to know that we are not just here for families with kids, but for the whole community,” she said.

“Our committee did not take the task of changing our name lightly, however, we don’t view changing our name as throwing out the past, we see it is as embracing the next chapter on the land on which we meet today.”

The community project first came to be when a building — one known as the Terminus Hotel built in 1889 — was donated to the people of Bridgetown, first becoming a youth hostel and later the BFCC.

Ms Oliver said the space is available for everyone in the community, not just families with kids.

“Our mission is to provide a welcoming hub that offers a range of programs, services and spaces where our community is supported to connect create and grow.”

The not-for-profit facility will continue to host parents groups, playgroups and child health facilities with the addition of social events, welcome dinners for old and new residents, produce swaps and venue hire opportunities, workshops and more.

“We had over 2500 interactions with the community in 2022, but we want to see this number increase,” Ms Oliver said..

“We want to make sure all of our community knows they have a place where they can come and feel welcome.

“I am extremely proud to be the manager of this fantastic facility and love every day I get to come and work here.”