Indigo Shire's brand new multi-million dollar Chiltern Community Hub has opened to the public.
The $3.73M facility was funded by a $2.5M grant from the Victorian Government, $1.1M from the Federal Government and $130,000 contribution from Council.
The hub houses a new library, customer experience and maternal and child health services as well as a kindergarten all under the one roof.
Mayor, Sophie Price was on hand this morning to welcome excited community members and proudly encouraged everyone to take a tour of the fully accessible facility.
"I'm thrilled to be here today to welcome the Chiltern community to this wonderful new facility. The hub not only offers integrated Council services with expanded opportunities to meet with our staff, it provides a community connection point for gathering with friends and family." Councillor Price said.
Council's Maternal and Child Health service will operate from purpose built clinic rooms every Tuesday and the new library offers expanded hours, operating from 9am to 5pm Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and from 9am to midday on Saturday.
"This one-stop-shop provides the opportunity to connect across the ages in a convenient and welcoming environment. From new parents meeting with other families or visiting the library while they wait for our Maternal Child Health services, young children enjoying StoryTime or attending the kindergarten, right through to older visitors seeking Council services or our curated library offerings, there's something for everyone." Cr Price says.
A new community gathering space that consolidated various community services and created an inclusive, welcoming space for all residents was identified as a top priority when the Chiltern Placemaking and Structure Plan was adopted by Council in 2016.
"This completion of this project has been incredibly important for the community and we know that this wonderful facility will form an important part of the fabric that makes Chiltern such a great place to live for many years to come."
An official opening will be held with state government representatives will follow in the coming weeks.
