Tom Quinn Community Centre

For the second time in three days CCN and I have visited the inspirational Tom Quinn Community Centre in Bundaberg which is run by the Salvation Army. Honestly, we have been absolutely impressed with what we have found and can't believe that this incredible centre has been operating for so many years and we have never visited before.

The cafe in the gardens is a hive of activity and obviously well known to the local Bundabergians. We saw a lot of people with grey hair, just like us, so it seems like a great meeting place for seniors. The tucker being served is wonderful and very, very reasonable. We love the fact that the young people serving us are all being trained in life skills by a team of very dedicated and passionate people. There was a spirit there that is hard to put into words, but believe me you feel it the entire time you're there.

The Centre is named after Tom Quinn OAM. Tom was a well known businessman and educator in Bundaberg. He identified the Salvation Army site in early 2002 as having the potential to service the young people who he and other concerned educators had noticed "slipping through the cracks", through neglect, poor education and little emotional support. He was also concerned for the lack of resources for people recovering from addiction.

In 2002 work began to convert a derelict, abandoned recycling centre into a vibrant effective community initiative that has assisted thousands of people in need and continues to do so. The result is evident when you sit in the lovely little cafe, surrounded by beautiful gardens, wonderful support staff and volunteers, lives being transformed and a happy peaceful place.

Tom Quinn's favourite Japanese Proverb was - "nana korobi ya oki"
"Fall down seven times, get up eight"

We spent quite some time there today and didn't want to leave really. We both felt like we needed to be in a quiet peaceful place - a little bit of respite from the bustling world of the Friendlies Hospital. Believe me, it won't be the last time we visit this place of inspiration and tranquility.