Our History

In the early 1980s the residents of Ashburton sought the establishment of a community centre in their area.

In November 1983 the then City of Camberwell (now the City of Boroondara) purchased the former Doctor’s surgery at 160 High Street Ashburton, in response to requests from local residents and community organizations, and the formation of The Ashburton Community Centre (ACC) started.

Camberwell Council decided the Centre would be best managed through a voluntary Committee and a Steering Committee was formed in 1985. The Council appointed a Manager in 1986, bringing the Centre into full operation in May of that year. The activities continued to diversify to suit the increasing number of members who attended the Centre and the Manager co-opted a team of volunteers to assist her in the day-to-day running of the Centre.

In 2008, the Council’s involvement in the running of the Centre ceased and the responsibility was given to the voluntary Committee to continue with the administration and appointment of all staff. The Council continues to provide the building and the Centre receives an annual grant which contributes towards the operations of the Centre. The balance of the operational costs incurred in the daily running of the Centre is financed by the income derived from courses and activities.

The City of Boroondara upgraded the Ashburton Community Centre and adjacent Library throughout 2013. The existing Ashburton Community Centre building was replaced to make way for a modern, purpose built, single level Community Centre on the present site, with a shared entrance and foyer space. The new community centre building includes:

  • Five separate rooms for classes, meetings and activities;
  • Access to shared multipurpose rooms (Copland Room) and kitchen;
  • Three outdoor areas with access from program rooms;
  • Separate toilets, kitchenette and storage space;
  • Reception area and manager’s office, ample storage space and access points.
  • The large Apple Myrtle tree was retained and formed the basis for the new ACC logo.

During the upgrade in 2013, the Community Centre office was located at the Glen Iris Uniting Church, 200 Glen Iris Rd, Glen Iris, and classes continued at temporary premises located at the Eric Raven Pavilion, Lynden Park Recreational Pavilion and Glen Iris Uniting Church. In November 2013, the renovations were completed and classes returned to 160 High Street, Ashburton in 2014.