The City of Greater Geelong has unveiled Poa Banyul Community Hub as the name of the community centre nearing completion at 110-122 Unity Drive, Mount Duneed.
Poa Banyul translates to Grassy Hill in Wadawurrung language.
The City engaged with the Wadawarrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation in the development and the inclusion of language in the naming of the new building to reflect Wadawurrung cultural heritage.
The facility will accommodate a range of early years and family services including sessional kindergarten, maternal and child health, family support consulting rooms and flexible community spaces.
The hub will also complement the nearby community shed.
Geographical Names Victoria (GNV) advised the City that the previously proposed name - Poa Banyul Mount Duneed Community Hub - exceeded the limit of twenty-five characters.
The physical address for the site will also include a reference to Mount Duneed as the hub is located within Mount Duneed.
The hub has been jointly funded by the Council ($10.7 million) and the Victorian Government ($2.25 million).
Upon completion of construction the facility will be handed over to the successful kindergarten services provider to fit out and obtain licencing for kindergarten classes to commence in Term 3.
Mayor Trent Sullivan
I expect the facility to become a hive of activity for residents across Mount Duneed and Armstrong Creek.
This is such an exciting project as the region is growing at such a rapid rate that it's easy to see this hub becoming an important gathering place for many families.
We're delighted to have been able to decide on a name that reflects the significance of the region to the traditional owners.
Councillor Bruce Harwood
The facility will be a wonderful asset to the community.
Council is thrilled to be joining the Victorian Government in providing a hub of this kind; it's definitely a facility that is set to benefit the community for a long time to come.
The beginning of kindergarten services is timely, particularly given the influx of young families into this region south of Grovedale.
