Melton’s two newest community hubs were officially opened last month.
The Mt Atkinson Children’s and Community Centre and Thornhill Park Children’s and Community Centre both celebrated their official openings.
On Monday, October 30, the $7.8 million Mount Atkinson centre was officially launched by then-Melton mayor Lara Carli and Kororoit MP Luba Grigorovitch.
The integrated children’s and community hub in features multi-purpose rooms, three and four-year-old funded kindergarten, maternal and child health Services and community space for local programs and services that will address the needs of local children and families.
The facility was funded by a $5 million from council, $2.8 million from the state government.
About 58 babies are born each week in the Melton, while 11.7 per cent of the population in Truganina is aged 4 years and under.
The launch follows Thornhill Park’s opening on October 20 by Cr Carli and Melton MP Steve McGhie.
The $12.7 million centre boasts four 33-place kindergarten rooms, multi-purpose community spaces, maternal child health suites, a family room, a breastfeeding space and professional consulting and office suites.
The facility was funded by $8.4 million from council and $4.3 million from the state government.
The project was completed in two stages. Stage one saw kindergarten rooms, outdoor play spaces, car park and associated amenities completed in January 2023 and is already operating.
Stage two of the project delivered the multi-purpose community spaces, maternal child health suites, a family room, a breastfeeding space, and additional professional consulting and office suites.
Cr Carli said she was thrilled to celebrate the openings.
“With 58 babies being born in the City of Melton each week, building new centres like this is essential to help support our community,” she said.
“It is vitally important that families have access to quality early years education that encourages children to flourish in a nurturing environment.
“Kindergartens play a vital role in helping young children thrive emotionally and physically and boost learning skills. This facility will do that and allow parents and families to share their experiences and be part of a community that is committed to helping kids thrive.
“I’d like to thank the state government for their contribution and working with us on this much-needed project.”
