New children’s centre will be second-to-none

IT’S well known that council is directing population growth to areas like Armstrong Creek and Mount Duneed, and in the future our Northern and Western Growth Areas.

In fact, Armstrong Creek is one of the largest growth fronts in Australia, home to about 20,000 people.

This number will eventually grow to 55,000 to 65,000 residents.

A walk around this area confirms that young families are driving this growth.

We’re predicting that 853 newborns and children aged up to four years old will be living in Armstrong Creek over the next four years, and that figure is predicted to jump to 1158 by 2041.

With so many families putting down roots and little people making memories here, it’s essential that residents have access to services and facilities within their own community.

Which brings me to the activity you may have noticed on Unity Drive in Mount Duneed, next door to Mirripoa Primary School.

Construction is well underway at that patch of land for a $13 million community hub and early childhood facilities.

The yet-to-be-named facility will serve the community through flexible multipurpose spaces, a 66-place kinder, maternal and child health areas, play spaces and a parents’ lounge.

There will be plenty of space for kids to learn, play and socialise and the adults to receive support, pick up a new skill and make friends.

The facility will also complement the $595,000 brand new council-funded Mount Duneed Community Shed on Sovereign Drive nearby.

The value of these community facilities has been particularly highlighted by the pandemic as being incredibly important.

The hub has been designed to achieve a 5-star green rating, meeting council’s environmental and financial sustainability goals.

Council is so proud to put in $10.706 million towards this project, which demonstrates our commitment to delivering vital infrastructure that the community needs.

We’ve partnered with the Victorian Government, through its $2.25 million contribution from the Building Blocks Capacity Grant program.

The facility is another step towards our vision for the Armstrong Creek growth area to become a highly sought-after destination to live, work and play.

The quality of our new enhanced children’s centre is second-to-none and this will be the second early childhood and community facility to be delivered for the community.

I’m really looking forward to seeing the finished product in early 2023!

Applications open

I’ve written before about the immense benefits of helping out smaller groups at a grassroots level.

Building community hubs, aquatic centres and neighbourhood houses are all important, as is supporting community groups, organisations and clubs.

Council does this in various ways, but one of my favourite programs is the Community Grants.

We’re investing more than $4.9 million in grants over 2021-22, to ensure our community groups can continue to deliver their activities and programs after a disrupted two years.

The Armstrong Creek Boomerang Bags group was quite chuffed to be a recipient and when I met up with members, they showed me the tired sewing machines they planned on replacing.

New machines mean they can produce more reusable bags from recycled materials and in a speedier manner.

The city has six grant streams open at the moment, including Community Events Quick Response Grants, First Nations Cultural Heritage Grants and Environmental Sustainability Grants.

It could be an art program, community event, heritage initiative or environmental project that you’re keen to get off the ground.

Four of the streams close on Monday, March 14 at 5pm, so this is your reminder from me to you to consider applying.

Check out what’s on offer at geelongaustralia.com.au/grants or contact the team on 5272 5560 or [email protected]

Cr Rod Nelson