Minister for Community Development Peter Batchelor today inspected works on the soon-to-be-completed first stage of the $2 million Golden Point Learning and Cultural Centre in Ballarat East.
The Centre, located at the former Golden Point Primary School site, is expected to be completed by the end of August, thanks to an $800,000 Victorian Community Support Fund Grant provided by the Brumby Government.
Mr Batchelor said the new facility would be a thriving hub of community activity, including social spaces, community meeting and activity rooms, an IT centre and a commercial community kitchen.
“The Brumby Government is taking action for communities and the Golden Point Learning and Cultural Centre is a magnificent example of how we can revive existing infrastructure for new community uses,” Mr Batchelor said.
“This facility will offer lifelong interaction, volunteering, training and educational opportunities, and take its place at the very centre of community life.
“This facility will offer lifelong interaction, volunteering, training and educational opportunities."
“The Ballarat Community Development Centre Co-operative, known locally as BEST Community Development, should be very proud of their effort to provide such a versatile and valuable facility for their community.
“It is also a credit to local State member Geoff Howard, who has worked hard with these groups to see this vision become a reality.
Member for Ballarat East Geoff Howard MP said he was delighted with the progress on-site.
“This place looks a million dollars and will be an inspiring and welcoming centre for all its future users in Ballarat East,” Mr Howard said.
BEST Community Development has contributed $400,000 to purchase the site and assist with the facility’s refurbishment. Financial and in-kind support worth another $800,000 has also been received from a range of other groups including the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council, Mount Clear College and the University of the Third Age who will be co-located at the facility.
“Quality community facilities, such as the Golden Point Learning and Cultural Centre, are vital to strong and liveable communities because they encourage involvement of people from all walks of life and the Victoria Government is pleased to be able to support them,” Mr Batchelor said.
For more information about Victorian Community Support Grants, visit
www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au