A new-look community space for fast-growing Goonawarra is ready to open thanks to support from the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.

Sunbury MP Josh Bull officially opened the newly expanded Goonawarra Neighbourhood House on behalf of Local Government Minister Shaun Leane today.

The project received $228,600 from the 2019-20 round of the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund. The Fund supports the creation of community connections, enhanced services, and provides greater opportunities at the local level.

For more than 30 years, the Neighbourhood House has delivered a range of classes, support and childcare opportunities for its community. Under coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, staff have worked with other Neighbourhood Houses across Hume to deliver classes and other activities online.

The redevelopment has been delivered by Hume City Council, which contributed $92,000 towards the project. The Department of Health and Human Services also contributed $30,000.

The investment means that in-person classes can resume in an expanded, renovated and more accessible facility, with improved and expanded classrooms and kitchens for an even wider range of classes as the area grows.

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 the launch of the fund in 2015, Hume City Council has received more than $25 million for 26 different projects.

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

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government, Hon Shaun Leane

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

“Through investments like this we are building a legacy of high-quality facilities across greater Melbourne, creating opportunities for all of us to learn new skills, make new connections and take on new challenges.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Sunbury, Josh Bull MP

“Our Neighbourhood Houses are fantastic assets for our community and it’s great that we have been able to support expansion and renovation for Goonawarra.”

“The staff and volunteers here are absolutely brilliant and I know this renovation will set the Goonawarra Neighbourhood House up for another 30 years of great work for Sunbury.”