ABOUT THE

FOUNDATION

ABOUT THE DUNN LEWIS CENTRE

The Dunn and Lewis Youth Development Foundation Ltd. was established in 2003 by Gayle Dunn in response to the death of her son Craig Dunn, his friend Danny Lewis, and 86 other Australians in the Bali bombings of October 2002. The Foundation was formed to enable young people access to more opportunities and support in order to live engaged and more fulfilling lives. Young people of the Milton Ulladulla region were the primary advisory body in the initial development of the Foundation and centre.

RECREATIONAL
FACILITY

The Centre was purpose-built to provide more recreational opportunities for the youth and community of the Milton Ulladulla region. The centre has a well-equipped stage for events, indoor climbing and ten-pin bowling, and also hosts gymnastics, martial arts, volleyball, and pickleball.

YOUTH
PROGRAMS

The Dunn Lewis develop and run many programs for young people throughout the year. These programs are produced with youth input and include skills and training programs and programs that aim to connect young people with their community.

COMMUNITY
SPACES

The Dunn Lewis Centre is designed with the community in mind, and provides meeting spaces for community groups on a small and large scale with facilities like projectors, tea and coffee, and catering if required.

OUR MISSION

Our Mission is to provide access to services and create new opportunities for all youth to live their best lives.

We aim to provide:

  • Trauma, grief and loss services.

  • Opportunities for youth to enhance their social, personal & vocational skills.

  • Opportunities for young people to develop leadership skills.

  • Recreational facility for all youth where they feel comfortable and can nurture their talents.

  • A permanent memorial to those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks in Bali on 12th October 2002.

  • Foster a sense of family and community spirit by linking generations.

  • Cement positive connections within the community through the Complex’s construction and ongoing operations.

We know that every young person has the capacity to play a valuable role in society.

OUR TIMELINE

2008 - 2012

During this period, stage one of the centre was completed and opened in 2010. It comprised the centre hub, a 12 lane bowling alley, kiosk, large lounge area for functions, conference room and meeting rooms. There were multiple youth programs running around skills and employment and hundreds of young people were supported.

2018 - 2022

Stage two was finally realised, and the auditorium was finally fully fitted out. Our climbing wall went in, along with gym pits and sprung floors, and the stage was fully equipped with sound and lighting. The Dunn Lewis also ran a massive education and employment program though Federal Government funding and assisted over 60 young people to get into regular employment or education.

2003 – 2007

The idea of a foundation and centre for youth was in full swing. Many people remember Gayle Dunn sitting outside of Coles asking young people  questions on what they thought was needed, what was missing for them in the local area. By 2007 footings for the building were in place.

2013 – 2017

Throughout these few years, the Centre saw 60,000 people walk through its doors, had multiple community groups utilising the facilities, and continued to support young people in education and employment. The centre provided a dedicated space for distance education and work started on stage two.