New children’s hub taking shape in Ocean Grove

BELLARINE Community Health’s (BCH) Ocean Grove Health and Wellbeing Hub is taking shape, with construction expected to be completed in mid-to-late September.

Designed by project architect Richie Schultz from Four 18 Architecture, the facility’s steel work and framing installation is complete with bricklaying now under way, roofing installed, and plumbing and electrical installation beginning in early July.

BCH states the project has been designed in two stages, but funding has only been secured for Stage One.

BCH was unsuccessful in its application for approximately $3.2 million from the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF) for construction of Stage Two, but the Bellarine health service provider has confirmed it will re-apply for funding in the next round.

Stage One construction was green-lit through the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, and the Anthony Costa Foundation, with the land in Kingston Estate donated by the Corless Family Trust.

Once completed, Stage One will be able to provide services including speech pathology, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and play therapy.

Stage Two, if sufficient funding is obtained, would allow paediatric and youth teams to co-locate in contemporary, purpose-built facilities and enable the integration of multi-disciplinary services to be provided for 0–25 year olds.

The hub will also include a purpose-built assessment room for children’s sensory needs, and an observation room fitted with a one-way window and cameras.

BCH has also put the call out for additional funding to cover landscaping costs and fit out outdoor spaces.

The spaces were designed to create child/youth specific outdoor areas and will enable therapists to assess fine and gross motor skills.

“Our Youth mental health team will have the option to work with young people in a natural environment instead of traditional therapy or consultation rooms,” a BCH spokesperson said.

“This will allow staff to connect young people to nature and help provide grounding exercises that support engagement.

“Engaging in conversation and activity in nature can enable more open dialogue. The space will include sensory gardens, a yarning circle, seating and areas for games.”

For more information, head to the Hub’s project page at bch.org.au/ocean-grove-health-wellbeing-hub