Don Moore Community Centre

A home among the gum trees: Don Moore Community Centre sees the transformation of a 52-year-old centre into a modern gathering place rooted in Country and community life.

This project reimagines civic infrastructure as an inclusive, resilient destination. By consolidating and upgrading aging facilities, it provides flexible spaces for out-of-school hours care, senior citizen activities, creative arts, learning and social interaction. A café overlooking the adjacent sports field invites informal gatherings, while an amphitheatre and communal outdoor areas enhance cultural, recreational and performance opportunities. Accessible entries and pathways connect seamlessly to public transport, active-transport links and the broader North Rocks Park Precinct.

The Don Moore Community Centre frames its identity under a protected stand of Sydney Blue Gum trees. Our design draws inspiration from local shale rock and the living forest canopy. Three interconnected volumes define the layout, including a foyer that feels like a forest clearing and two pavilion wings rooted in the steep site. Natural materials, intuitive wayfinding and expanded revegetation weave the new facility into Country, inviting every visitor to experience a genuine sense of place.

Location: Dharug Country
Carlingford, New South Wales
Client: City of Parramatta Council
Value: $20.6M
Scale: 3,000sqm
Year: 2026
Project Contact: Alex Matovic
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Multi-Purpose Spaces for Every Generation

This 3,000 sqm facility consolidates and upgrades existing buildings to deliver versatile spaces for all ages. A new hall/theatre and four flexible rooms support creative arts, education, meetings and community programs. Out-of-school hours care operates alongside dedicated senior citizen areas, while a café overlooking the sports field fosters spontaneous social interaction. An outdoor amphitheatre and robust tree canopy provide year-round opportunities for performance, play and passive relaxation. Accessible entries and inclusive amenities ensure every resident feels welcome.

A Sustainable Anchor in Western Sydney

Funded through the NSW Government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program, this project benefits from $20.6 million toward future-focused community infrastructure. Water-sensitive urban design, low-water native plantings and stormwater reuse reduce environmental impact. OneClick LCA carbon modeling informs sustainable material choices. Revegetation of Blue Gum High Forest and habitat creation reconnect the hub to broader ecological networks. Pedestrian connections to the Parramatta Light Rail and the new active-transport link support healthy, low-carbon lifestyles.