A new $13 million community hub set to feature early years and family services is getting closer to completion in Mount Duneed.
Councillors Belinda Moloney and Bruce Harwood this week joined state Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman on a walkthrough of the facility's construction site at 110-112 Unity Drive.
The new hub, jointly funded by the Council ($10.7 million) and Victorian Government ($2.25 million), will provide a new kindergarten, maternal and child health services, consulting rooms and community spaces.
Construction is nearing its end, with the building at lock-up stage and finishing works such as painting, flooring installation and paving being carried out.
With work expected to be finished in the coming months, the facility will begin to be activated for the community during the second half of this year.
The City is running a tender process to secure an external provider to operate the kindergarten and community spaces.
Councillor Harwood
It was exciting to see the building's progress.From this week's visit we got a real sense of the facility's size and what it will look like once it's finished.
It's going to be really impressive – a great place for local children and families.
Councillor Moloney
The Council's major investment in the hub is aimed at supporting the growing Mount Duneed population.There is a strong community building in this area and it will continue to grow over the coming years.
We want to make sure everyone who lives here has close access to modern facilities and high quality services.
Buildings such as this hub help to create healthy and happy communities.
Mr Cheeseman
This new facility will mean South Barwon kids can access high-quality kinder close to home.Investing in the early years in vital in encouraging a strong educational future and fostering a lifelong love of learning.
That is why the Andrews Labor Government is launching Free Kinder from this year for all families.
