‘The Villa’ in the Ipswich CBD is one of twelve not-for-profit groups across Queensland to receive state funding to upgrade facilities that deliver community and job-readiness services.

Formerly, The Villa Maria retirement home, community group YMCA purchased the site on Limestone Street three years ago. 

The space, now named The Villa Community Centre, was announced as the winner of a State Government grant worth $230,240 to continue to upgrade the hub for young people in Ipswich. 

Centre Coordinator, Leah Sanderson said the project was about creating a space for young people in Ipswich to stay connected. 

“The nursing home stopped operating quite a while ago,” she said. 

“When the YMCA purchased the building, I think Ipswich as a greater communi