Navigators hub opens for community

THE new Navigators Community Multi-Purpose Hub is officially open for business.

The hub was built at a cost of $768,000 and provides a new open meeting space, upgraded accessible amenities, storage rooms (incorporating historical storage), a kitchen, clubrooms, a viewing area, pathways and landscaping.

The facility, in Navigators Road, was officially opened on Tuesday.

The township previously only had the community centre as a place to meet, which posed issues with accessibility and suitability for events. But the new multi-purpose hub provides a modern, flexible and accessible building that is expected to better meet community needs.

As well as community functions, it will be able to host events for tennis clubs, book clubs, history clubs, playgroups and the local men’s group.

By providing a venue for a wider range of activities, the hub is also expected to draw in more people to visit Navigators, which is located 10 kilometres south-east of Ballarat.

More than $300,000 was contributed by the State Government, and $200,000 from the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure program.

The development was a joint project between the Moorabool Shire Council, Boral Limited, and the Community Bank Ballan and District.

The Shire contributed almost $191,700, Boral Limited $25,670 and the bank $25,000.

Member for Eureka Michaela Settle said the Navigators Hall has been at the heart of the community for many decades.

“I’m delighted that the new centre adjacent to the much-loved hall will give locals all the amenities they need to come together, socialise and celebrate this wonderful community,” she said.

Federal Member for Ballarat Catherine King is similarly pleased that the hub is now open.

“This is a true community project from beginning to end, and it’s brilliant to see all three levels of government – as well as Bendigo Bank and Boral – supporting the Navigators community to get it done,” she said.

“This new fit-for-purpose hub will serve the community well for generations.”

Moorabool Shire mayor Cr Paul Tatchell described the opening event as “a fabulous afternoon.”

Cr Tatchell said the project was a “real collaborative effort.”

“Judging by the amount of community members who turned up to the opening, they’re very excited about the new hub and I’m very confident it will be well used,” he said.