Bass Coast Shire Council has officially opened the new Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre, providing a custom-designed adult learning space and neighbourhood house in Cowes.
The new centre, which opened on December 12, provides a range of community services including emergency food relief, workplace training and employment advice, as well as workshops and a meeting place for local interest groups.
Important support via referrals to welfare services, mental health counselling, family violence assistance and emergency accommodation is also available.
The new centre, built by Arkit on the Old Warley Hospital site, comes after the former PICAL site was set aside for the new Phillip Island Community Hospital, which is now under construction and is due to open in 2024.
Mayor Michael Whelan said he was proud to open the new centre, which was an important pillar of the community.
"Hubs such as the Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre are often cornerstones in local communities and provide vital opportunities for social connection as well as educational, recreational and support activities," Cr Whelan said.
"Since its inception 42 years ago, we have seen some innovative programs delivered by PICAL from training and educating local residents to reach their future employment goals to workshops allowing people to learn new skills or expand their knowledge, and as an outlet for
like-minded individuals to collaborate on specialist projects or hobbies.
"PICAL is an invaluable contributor to our community and this new building will enable the organisation to continue its much-needed work for many years to come."
Jeff Floyd Chair of PICAL says "PICAL now enters an exciting new phase in its service to the community. My sincere thanks to our incredible staff and volunteers who have worked so hard to make this big move happen. We will resume our full services in the new year"
The Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre is located at 16 Warley Avenue, Cowes.
