Located in a beautiful historic building in central Bellerive, the Centre offers a range of activities and programs, facilities for hire and of course, the fantastic communal area called Alma’s Bar and Lounge. With activities and programs for people of all ages, the Centre really is the heart of Age Friendly Clarence! We’re open for hire and use seven days a week, with a manager on site Monday to Thursday from 12 noon to 4 pm.
At Alma’s, we have extensive facilities, activities, and resources available. To read more, just click on the ‘+‘ symbol to expand each section.
FACILITIES
The Centre is currently a flexible space containing meeting rooms, two halls, lounge area, bar and commercial kitchen with ample on-site parking. The future for the centre is bright with a refurbishment being planned to make the spaces more accessible and user friendly.
Alma’s Bar and Lounge
Alma’s Bar and Lounge is a beautiful space, friendly and casual, where you can meet new people, share a conversation, and enjoy a drink.
Open Tuesdays and Fridays from 3pm.
Centre Hire
Hall: 240 people
Meeting Room: 30 people
Bar and Lounge: 40 people
For centre availability, please contact centre manager by phone 03 6244 4264 or email.
Fees
Fees are charged for total hours including set-up, function and clean-up.
- Functions: $150.00 all day rate
- Casual rate: Day (9am – 6pm): $21.00 per hour Evening (after 6pm): $26.00 per hour
- Meeting Room: Day (9am – 6pm): $21.00 per hour Evening (after 6pm): $26.00 per hour
- Bar: To use the bar, you must be a member or be signed in by a member. Membership fee is $20 per annum.
- Bond: $200 required to be paid at the time of hire, which is fully refundable at the end of the hire period.
- Public Liability Insurance: $3.00 per hour
- Payment: A deposit or full payment should be paid prior to the event to confirm the booking. No EFTPOS facilities.
MEMBERSHIP
Becoming a Member
An annual membership at Alma’s is $20 per year.
Click on the Application Form for Membership to apply.
ACTIVITIES + PROGRAMS
Alma’s is a wonderful space available for individuals as well as groups to hire. The following is a list of current activities for members and private groups who hire the centre, and open to anyone in the community to join in.
Activities
Monday
- New Vogue Dancing: 12.30pm to 3.00pm (member activity)
- Sit and Be Fit: 10am – $10. Contact Vicki: 0419 155 578
- Yoga: 6pm – $60 for 4 classes. Contact Sarah: 0439 346 100
Tuesday
- Indoor Bowls: 1.00pm to 3.00pm (member activity)
- Monthly Bus Trip (every 3rd Tuesday): 10.00am to 3.30pm (member activity)
- Tai Chi: 1.45pm. Contact Joan: 0408 284 601
- Clarence Country Music: 7pm. Contact Ian: 0498 814 082
Wednesday
- Light lunch: 11.30am to 12.30pm (member activity)
- Bingo eyes down: 1.30pm (member activity)
- Australian Retired Persons Association Meeting and Luncheon: 8 meetings per year. Visit the ARPA website for more details.
Thursday
- New Vogue Dancing (every 2nd Thursday): 12.30pm to 3.00pm (member activity)
- Clarence Positive Ageing Network (PAN) for Service Providers: Meets 4 times per year, all welcome. 10am to 12 noon with lunch provided. For more details contact Council: 6217 9597.
Friday
- Indoor Bowls: 1.00pm to 3.00pm (member activity)
- New Vogue Dancing: 8pm – $5. Contact Des: 0407 144 115.
Saturday
- Country Music Revival: 1st Saturday of every month. Contact Greg: 0418 431 308.
Thursdays at Alma’s
Thursdays at Alma’s is Council’s FREE new program for seniors at Alma’s Activities Centre. For the current seasonal program go to Council’s website.
STRATEGIC PLAN
The Centre Management Committee has developed a Strategic Plan 2016-2026. A major component is to make the building more accessible and inclusive.
CENTRE MANAGEMENT
The Centre is managed by a Special Committee of Council appointed by the Clarence City Council in accordance with the Local Government Act 1993. The Management Committee comprises volunteers and one elected member. The elected member is appointed by the Council as per the constitution approved by the Council. The objectives of the Management Committee are to:
- Manage the Centre on behalf of the Council
- Provide recreational services and means of social companionship and entertainment for members
- Actively encourage diversity of use of the Centre and its facilities
- Manage and maintain the facilities for the benefit of users, members and the broader community
- Set strategic directions for the development, enhancement and upgrading of the premises
- Maximise the financial return to meet expenditure by the Management Committee for the operation of the Centre.
The Centre is self-funded and funds are used for the day-to-day running of the Centre including internal maintenance and contents.
HISTORY
Council purchased the property in 1976 with assistance from Commonwealth and State grants.
The building was known as Bellevue House and constructed in approximately 1846. It was used as a private residence by various families until 1971 when it was converted to a reception centre.
When the Tasman Bridge collapsed in 1975 it became apparent that a centrally situated Senior Citizens Centre was needed on a full-time basis for its members. After Council purchased the building, an interim steering committee was appointed to plan the operation of the Centre. The first function at the Centre was an open day for the public to showcase the facilities and amenities.
Since 1976 the funds raised by the Centre members have been used to extend the facility, upgrade the kitchen and continually enhance and maintain the interior for the benefit of its members and hirers.
Alma’s Bar and Lounge was opened in 2005 and this has contributed to the financial security of the Centre.
In 2017 the centre was re-named as Alma’s Activities Centre Clarence.
Clarence – an age friendly city and community. Years ahead.