New chapter for Howard Community Centre
Published on 26 August 2026
- Howard Community Centre to be opened for community hire
- Council to maintain the facility and explore opportunities to modernise its use
- Howard Country Markets continuing on the first Saturday of each month
A new chapter is beginning for the Howard Community Centre, with Fraser Coast Regional Council opening the facility to wider community use and planning for its long-term future.
At its meeting today (Wednesday 26 August 2026), Council agreed to add the Howard Community Centre to its community hall hire arrangements after the facility's management recently returned to Council following the end of the previous lease.
Fraser Coast Regional Councillor Michelle Byrne thanked the Burrum District Community Centre Association and its volunteers for their many years of service to Howard and the surrounding district.
“The Association and its volunteers have put an enormous amount of time and effort into running the centre, the Howard markets and other community activities over many years,” she said.
“Managing a community facility takes a significant commitment, particularly for volunteers who are responsible for everything from administration and cleaning through to maintenance, insurance and compliance.
“We sincerely thank everyone who has contributed over the years and want to build on that legacy by ensuring the Howard Community Centre remains an important community facility well into the future.”
Cr Byrne said Council would take responsibility for managing and maintaining the centre while looking at opportunities to modernise how the facility is used and make it available to as much of the community as possible.
“This is a great community facility with plenty of potential, and we want to see it used,” she said.
“Whether it's a community group looking for somewhere to meet, a club holding an activity, or residents getting together for an event, opening the hall for hire will provide another affordable option in Howard.
“Bringing the centre under Council management also means it can operate in a similar way to other Council-owned community halls across the Fraser Coast, with consistent hire arrangements and fees.
“It also provides an opportunity to look at how the centre can be used by the community into the future, while Council takes responsibility for maintaining the facility.”
The hall and toilet facilities will be available for hire under Council's existing Community Hall fee structure, consistent with comparable facilities across the Fraser Coast.
Bookings will be available through Council's online booking system, while the commercial kitchen will not be available for hire at this stage.
Cr Byrne said the popular Howard Country Markets would also continue, with the Howard Progress Association holding markets at the centre on the first Saturday of each month.
“The markets have been part of Howard life for many years, so it's fantastic to see them continuing and bringing people together at the Community Centre," she said.
“We're looking forward to working with the Howard community to make the most of this facility and ensure it remains a place where people can meet, connect and participate in community life for many years to come.”