Moloney, Cheeseman impressed during Mount Duneed hub tour

Council and state government representatives visited the site of the future Mount Duneed community hub for a tour from construction crews. Pictured are Fairbrother managers Jarrod Page and Rohan Eves, COGG's Simon Jeanes, Cr Belinda Moloney, South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman, COGG's Robyn Stevens and the Department of Education and Training's Kelly Stacey. Photo: SUPPLIED

EXCITEMENT is building among the City of Greater Geelong and state government for the future of Mount Duneed, as the suburb’s community hub continues construction.

Two of the region’s local representatives, Kardinia Ward councillor Belinda Moloney and South Barwon MP Darren Cheeseman, toured the work site of the Mount Duneed Community Hub last week to view progress of the $13-million facility.

The Mount Duneed project, which has previously been known as the Armstrong Creek West Community Centre, will include a new kindergarten, maternal child health and consulting services, alongside multipurpose community and activity spaces.

The hub is due to open in the second half of next year.

COGG is also seeking tender applications for a third party to operate the kindergarten and community spaces ahead of the 2023 opening date.

Cr Moloney said the new hub would provide an important boost to community services in the southern Geelong growth corridor.

“This part of Greater Geelong is undergoing rapid growth and it’s vitally important that we provide the support services that this community hub will offer,” she said.

“The council is delighted to partner with the Victorian government in developing facilities of this nature to meet the current and future needs of local children, families and residents in the area.”

COGG capital projects coordinator Simon Jeanes shows Mr Cheeseman and Cr Moloney around the under-construction centre. Photo: SUPPLIED

Mr Cheeseman said he was excited to see movement for the new family centre.

“This new kindergarten in Mount Duneed will service our growing community and help meet increased demand for early childcare services,” he said.

COGG is proposing to name the facility Poa Banyul Mount Duneed Community Hub, to recognise the region’s Indigenous heritage.

“Poa Banyul” translates to “grassy hill” in Wadawurrung language.

The city finished a community consultation round late last month on its proposed name and will consider the feedback before a final decision at an upcoming council meeting.

COGG also sought comments for the name of its Armstrong Creek Library, which it proposed to name Biyal-a – meaning “place of many red gums” in Wadawurrung language.

Construction of the $18.4-million library is due to start this month, after COGG awarded its construction contract at its July meeting.

The library is due to open in early 2024.