Following the Bunyip Complex Fires in March 2019, community members impacted by the fires advocated strongly for a new community centre in Garfield North to help them in their recovery. They needed a place for new and existing community groups to meet, for events to be held in, and to foster social connections.
Council recognised this need and responded by applying for funding to help build the centre with the support of user groups.
We’re pleased to confirm that the grant application was successful – the Victorian Government has committed $1.3 million from its Growing Suburbs Fund to help build the community centre. Council is putting a further $1 million towards the project.
The new multipurpose community facility, located at Cannibal Creek Reserve, Garfield North, will be available for existing user groups as well the local community.
Impacts of disasters on affected individuals and communities can be profound, long-lasting and life changing. The Garfield North Community Centre project is one part of a long-term, multilayered social support and community development process to support the recovery of individuals and the community in townships including Garfield North, Tonimbuk, Bunyip North and Tynong North.
Council completed community consultation on the Garfield North Community Centre in 2022.
Project description
Development of a new Community Centre in Garfield North to accommodate approximately 100 people. This modular building will include a social room, a meeting room, a storage area, a kitchen, an accessible toilet, and unisex toilets.
Funding
The project is funded by the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.
Progress update
Council awarded the design and construction contract at the August Council meeting.
The concept design has been signed off by the Committee of Management and documents have been submitted for planning approval. Additionally, landowner approval has been obtained from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).
Factory manufacturing has started
The project is expected to be completed by September 2024.
Project Highlights
- Works are expected to be completed by September 2024.
- Council awarded the design and construction contract in August 2023