Orana Community Place, the City of Casey’s newest community hub, officially opened with a free community celebration held at the centre on Saturday 1 April.
Located in Clyde North, this interim community centre was modelled on the successful Selandra Community Place, to serve the emerging community until a permanent facility is built.
The project was delivered through a partnership between Council, Balcon Group, Beachwood Homes and the Victorian Government.
Situated across three residential blocks, the project includes a community hub, an adjacent early years centre, and a café operated by local business Humble Merchant.
With a range of meeting rooms and spaces, the facility is set up to cater for a range of community events and activities, while the early years centre will provide programs such as playgroup, parenting programs, funded kindergarten and allied health services.
City of Casey Chair of Administrators, Noelene Duff PSM said Orana Community Place was a shining example of what could be achieved through collaboration between Government, industry and the local community.
“To meet the needs of our rapidly growing community, Council needs to be innovative in the way community facilities are delivered, providing the services that people need as well as those facilities that help people make local connections and build strong communities,” Ms Duff said.
“Orana Community Place will be a central hub where members of this community can come together to find services, recreational activities, educational opportunities, and be a place to socialise.
“By working in partnership with Balcon Group, Beachwood Homes and the Victorian Government, we have been able to provide a valuable community facility much earlier than might otherwise be possible in a newly built area.”
Council provided $260,531 to the project and supplied the relocatable building that houses the Early Years Centre. The Victorian Government provided $353,000 through its Growing Suburbs Fund to assist with the cost of relocating the portable building to the site.
The land and community hub building were provided by the Balcon Group and built by Beachwood Homes. The community hub is being leased by Council for up to six years after which time ownership will revert back to the Balcon Group and the building will become a residential dwelling. The Victorian Government is also providing Neighbourhood House Coordination Program funding to assist with running community programs in the hub.
Both Council and Balcon Group have contributed towards the landscaping costs.
Council welcomes expressions of interest for programs and activities that could operate from the centre. Email ocp@casey.vic.gov.au or call 9709 9615.
Orana Community Place is located at 16-18 Playwright Street, Clyde North.