History of Dulwich Community Centre
Published on 24 March 2020
Before it was purchased by the City of Burnside in 1965, 14 Union Street, Dulwich was a residential home owned by shop assistants, bookkeepers, and families.
In 1965, the Lions Club of Burnside proposed that the City of Burnside purchase the property and convert it into a Senior Citizens Club. The City of Burnside agreed and purchased the property in December 1965.
The Lions Club of Burnside took on the project of converting the property into a club and contributed over 1000 hours of voluntary work to renovate the property. They created a large assembly room, a library, and renovated the kitchen, toilets, and outdoor area. The Ladies' Auxilary of the Lions raised money to furnish the club. One memorable event was a dinner dance fundraiser at the Arkabar Corner. Over 100 retailers also helped by raising money and donating goods. The renovations ended up costing more than $12,000.
The Senior Citizens Club was opened by the City of Burnside Mayor George H Bolton on March 19, 1966, and was attended by 200 people. The Lions handed over the Club to the City of Burnside but continued to assist in maintaining the building.
A Committee oversaw the management of the Club and included Mr KA Fergusson as president and Committee members, Mrs D Hippescy (secretary), Mr T. Dorley, Mr M. Rhodes, Mr Kilberry, Mr Longbottom, Ms McDonald, and Ms Lawson.
At the opening, the New Review described the building: “The club has been established in a house suitably renovated to suit the needs of a senior citizens’ club. Two large front rooms and a corridor have been converted to one large club room across the front of the premises. At the rear is a large card room and a fully equipped kitchen.” (23 March 1966).
The Club was open to members of a minimum age of 60 years and the original open times were Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 am to 4.30 pm.
Daisy Maud Salotti (1889-1970) was a generous benefactor who bequeathed funds to the Dulwich Senior Citizens Club. These funds were used to extend the Club in 1974, including the addition of a hall at the rear of the original house. The Mayor of the City of Burnside, Michael G Perry, opened the hall and named it in honour of Daisy Salotti in March 1974. Daisy was an accomplished pianoforte player, and through a bequest of $6,000 to the University of Adelaide, established the "Daisy Burmeister Salotti Pianoforte Scholarship" for students taking piano as their chief practical study. Daisy passed away in August 1970 and is buried at Glen Osmond Cemetery.
Daisy Salotti, News, 1928.
The reconstruction of Dulwich Community Centre commenced in March 2023. The project is estimated to cost $1.4 million, with a contribution from the Federal Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure program. The reconstruction includes retaining Daisy Salotti Hall, a new front entrance, a new stage and audiovisual system, improved bathroom and changeroom areas, solar panels and rainwater tanks.
As a nod to the site's history, the original floor of the hall has been retained and original bricks from the building have been reused.