The face of Murray Bridge may have changed in recent years but Centacare’s commitment to the local community has never wavered.

From drought to supermarket wars, helicopter hospital pads, proposed high-rise developments, devastating fire, and a race course relocation, the rural centre has seen its share of highs and lows.

And through it all, our services have been there to support families, children and individuals as they navigate their own journey in life.

Twenty-five years after opening our first Murray Bridge office, Centacare today officially marked the start of a new era with the launch of our Sturt Reserve Rd site.

The move from Adelaide Rd closer to the centre of town sees Centacare well-placed geographically in a multi-agency complex, conducive to sector networking, with 30 on-site staff.

Speaking at the opening, Manager Lynne Thorpe emphasised the importance of families, and Centacare’s child-focused approach in nurturing community resilience and connection so that families can thrive.

From dispute resolution, targeted intervention, Aboriginal support programs, school chaplaincy, family and relationship counselling, mental health and NDIS support, specialist domestic violence services and more, Centacare runs more than 10 programs from Murray Bridge.

They service a vast area, from the Fleurieu Peninsula, Mid Murray, Murray Mallee, to the Coorong and surrounding communities.

“A building is just that, bricks and mortar, and it’s the people that work in that building that make it the success it is, so I would like to acknowledge all of our Centacare staff for their commitment to high quality services,’’ Lynne said.

“It has been a privilege to work with the local community and be there through all of its growth.’’

Director Dale West said Centacare would “keep endeavouring to expand what we do’’ in the region.

He highlighted the impact of the Thomas Foods fire: “The hope that comes from that disaster is that the company is going to rebuild here. That will provide new opportunities for people in terms of employment, but it may also be one of those things – along with other developments – that will create more interest for positive reasons in Murray Bridge and surrounding communities.

“I’m really hopeful that we can not only be a part of that but be integrated into the necessary things that will be associated with that.’’