Having closed its doors in March last year at the start of the first lockdown, the senior citizens centre, which boasts more than 350 members, will reopen its doors to members and visitors from next Wednesday.

Vic-president John Scannell said the group had remained operational, doing everything it could to help elderly and special needs citizens "from the secretary's home", over the past 11 months.

It has included get togethers, meetings and anything that can be done to assist social connectedness between many of the members that rely heavily on the social contact and friendships it provides.

"We're just so excited to be able to reopen," he said. "We're getting the keys back today so we can have a look around and check that everything is in order, and then we'll re-open on Wednesday.

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"Traditionally we always close down over Christmas and New Year anyway, and re-open the day after Australia Day, so it's nice to be able to get back to normal again."

Mr Scannell said volunteers would be on deck to make sure the property was up to COVID-compliance standard over the coming days. During the height of the pandemic, the centre acted as a COVID-19 testing centre.

Mr Scannell said the centre traditionally cooked about 5500 meals a year, and also provided a number of activities. It also provides for people to come in to simply have a coffee and a chat, something which had been desperately missed.

He said the centre was looking for another volunteer cook in 2021 with the retirement of a long-time member in the past year.

He said the centre was open to anyone aged 55 or over and was also open to those with disabilities or special needs.

If you wish to join the Ballarat Senior Citizens or are offering to volunteer for the cook's position, you can drop go to 16 Little Bridge Street or phone 5332 1358.