Residents of Blackburn South today celebrated the opening of the $1.5 million redevelopment of Eley Park Community Centre.
Community Development Minister Peter Batchelor said the facility provided for the co-location of The Avenue Neighbourhood House and the former Eley Park Community Centre.
“The Brumby Government is taking action now to provide the best community facilities to ensure Victorians are active and involved in their communities,” Mr Batchelor said.
“Studies undertaken by Whitehorse Council showed that more than 1000 people a week used the services of the existing neighbourhood house and that better services could be offered to them if the two were located in the same, expanded space.
“I’m pleased to say that through the Brumby Government’s Community Support Fund and Neighbourhood Houses program we have been able to provide $200,000 toward the extension of the Eley Park Community Centre.”
Member for Forest Hill Kirstie Marshall MP said work included the addition of three new multipurpose rooms, children’s playroom with full facilities, outdoor shaded play areas, and a covered walkway along the southern perimeter of the building.
An open space area was transformed into four offices and a meeting room surrounding a social gathering space, while two offices were refitted.
“It was clear more room was needed, and the results are what we see before us today,” Ms Marshall said.
“The new space is flexible, accessible and offers some really practical things like a children’s play room and shaded areas, because it’s important we make these facilities work for everyone.
"The new space is flexible, accessible and offers some really practical things like a children’s play room and shaded areas."
“Here families, young people, older people and those with disabilities can all enjoy what the new centre has to offer.”
Mr Marshall said the project was a great example of how communities could work with local and state governments, with the Whitehorse City Council providing $1.1 million and the Federal Government $270,000 to the centre.
Victorian Community Support Grants are one aspect of the Brumby Government’s
$4 billion A Fairer Victoria social action plan.
For more information on Victorian Community Support Grants, visit www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au