Monday 14 December 2020

A brand-new community centre in the fast-growing Cardinia Shire community of Emerald, made possible by the Victorian Government, has been officially opened today.

The new Hills Hub is a two-storey community centre that will be a home for classes, training and a performing arts space.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing, representing the Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane, officially opened the facility, one of 14 projects in Cardinia Shire funded with support from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.

The $8.135 million project includes multi-use rooms for training classes, performing arts and other activities. There is a purpose-designed space for a Men’s Shed and Hills She Shed. The centre is also home for the Puffing Billy Toy Library and Emerald University of the Third Age (U3A).

The project was delivered by Cardinia Shire Council in partnership with the Victorian Government, who contributed $1.5 million from its 2017-18 Growing Suburbs Fund.

It received $1.5 million in Federal funding from the National Stronger Regions Fund and a $250,000 contribution from the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Group and Dandenong Ranges Community Bank Group. Cardinia Shire Council contributed $4.88 million to the project by way of a Developers Contribution Plan.

The Growing Suburbs Fund is a $325 million investment over six years in critical local infrastructure in Melbourne’s diverse and fast-growing outer suburbs.

Since 2015, Cardinia Shire Council has received over $26 million in funding to support the delivery of 14 priority projects.

More information on the Growing Suburbs Fund is available at: https://www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/growing-suburbs-fund

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government, Shaun Leane

“The Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund provides vital community infrastructure and continues to deliver results for Melbourne’s fast-growing suburbs.”

“Facilities like the Hills Hub Emerald Community Centre are of tremendous value to communities and I’m pleased the Growing Suburbs Fund can support their changing needs.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria, Harriet Shing

“The Hills Hub is a striking, modern, and spacious addition to Emerald and I’m delighted that our Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund has been able to support the community in partnership with the Shire and the Commonwealth government.”

“The Hub has already served the area extremely well as a testing site, and is now as recovery and rebuilding work continues, it is providing locals ready access to the services and amenities they deserve.”