Our History
The early years (1987-1997)
Our story began in 1987 when Bankstown Community Services Co-op (BCSC) identified the need for neighbourhood centres to be established in other parts of the Bankstown Local Government Area. They undertook research to explore the feasibility.
In 1995 BCSC proposed the creation of a neighbourhood centre in the Greenacre area through the Western Sydney Area Assistance Scheme (WSAAS) planning / consultation process, to meet the requirements of this social and economic disadvantaged area.
Funding for 6 years was granted to BCSC in mid-1996 to establish a neighbourhood centre with basic staffing to provide community development and social welfare services, with the proviso that the centre would become an incorporated legal body responsible for all its own actions.
On 28 September 1997, the Greenacre Area Neighbourhood Centre was officially opened, based temporarily at the Greenacre Church of Christ on Waterloo Rd.
Waterloo Road (1999-2024)
The Centre moved to new commercial premises at 171a Waterloo Rd, Greenacre on 21 July 1999.
Then, on 18 October 2002, the Centre became incorporated with the name Greenacre Area Neighbourhood Centre Inc.
In 2011, to reflect the terminology more commonly used within the community sector, the Centre officially changed its name to Greenacre Area Community Centre (GACC).
During this time, we employed a youth worker to run a youth program. We also began our before- and after- school care programs, school holiday activities, camps, and study assistance.
It was then we organised our first annual Greenacre Festival which was very popular and attended by over 2,000 people.
Our new home (2024)
When the Council building on the site we occupied at 87 Waterloo Rd, Greenacre was set for demolition, we sought new accommodation and on 4 April 2024, we moved to our third location further down the street, at 3/159 Waterloo Road. As this is only office space, we now run our programs from a range of venues in the area and are grateful to our community partners for their assistance.
We currently have a staff of 7 who run our weekly programs and deliver our services.