Community Hub opens at Mount Duneed

THE $13 million state-of-the-art Poa Banyul Community Hub is officially open and will provide a boost to early years and family services in the community.

City of Greater Geelong Mayor Trent Sullivan joined Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn, Meli chief executive officer Grant Boyd, councillor Ron Nelson, councillor Peter Murrihy and Member for South Barwon, Darren Cheeseman MP in cutting the ribbon at the site on Tuesday (November 22).

The facility will provide sessional kindergarten, maternal and child health services, family support consulting rooms and versatile community spaces.

The new hub was jointly funded by the City of Greater Geelong ($10.7 million) and the state government ($2.25 million).

Mayor Sullivan said the hub was an investment in the growing community.

“Council is committed to delivering the places and spaces the strong and growing community needs.

“The hub will nurture the development and learning needs of local children long into the future.”

Meli chief executive officer, Grant Boyd said the facility was an exciting new chapter for Mt Duneed.

“The state-of-the-art Poa Banyul Kindergarten has been embraced by the community and was a wonderful addition to Meli’s network of 30 kindergartens across Geelong, the Bellarine, and Colac.

“Meli is proud to lead the way in the provision of early years services and contribute to the wellbeing of families.

“Poa Banyul is a place where important services are accessible to residents, the community can come together in an inclusive, supportive environment, friendships are fostered and children can thrive.”

Member for South Barwon, Darren Cheeseman MP said early years services are critical for local families.

“The opening of Poa Banyul will ensure critical early-years services are delivered to local families across the South Barwon region,” Mr Cheeseman said.

“The joint investment between the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Geelong will provide more services for local children, increasing the amount of opportunities for critical early-years services in Mount Duneed and surrounds. Giving them the best start to life.

“Poa Banyul will be open for local families across the South Barwon community, including 66 new kindergarten places for the littlest members of South Barwon.”

Poa Banyul Community Hub is located at 110-122 Unity Drive, Mount Duneed.