This week the City of Casey has welcomed more than $3.2 million in funding as part of the Victorian Government's 2021-22 Growing Suburbs Fund (GSF), to support four key community projects at Myuna Farm, Ray Bastin Reserve, Tooradin Public Hall and Gwendoline Children's Centre.
City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff PSM and City of Casey CEO Glenn Patterson were joined by Minister Shaun Leane, Minister Gabrielle Williams, Gary Mass MP and Luke Donnellan MP at Myuna Farm on Wednesday to share in the announcement.
As one of Victoria's fastest-growing municipalities Ms Duff has welcomed the funding acknowledging how beneficial the projects will be for the community.
"These projects will make a significant difference to many people in the community and our future generations who stand to benefit from these much-needed upgrades," said Ms Duff.
Myuna Farm, Doveton, Pavilion improvements
$351,105 (GSF grant)
Myuna Farm's Pavilion will be upgraded to provide access for all abilities. This will allow all our community, including people living with disability, access to improved amenities, a spectator viewing area, and a meeting space.
Ray Bastin Reserve, Narre Warren, redevelopment
$1.6 million (GSF grant), $1.495 million (Council)
To ensure the reserve can continue to meet the needs of Casey's growing community, many aspects of the reserve are due to be replaced or revitalised. Feedback captured from children, young people and their families helped influence the playground redevelopment with new play elements focusing on adventure, sensory and nature play, including a flying fox and swings, and the replacement of the liberty swing with alternate all-abilities play equipment. In collaboration with Casey's Aboriginal community, connection to country and culture through native vegetation, storytelling, play and exploration areas will also be integrated into the redevelopment.
Tooradin Public Hall upgrade
$350,000 (GSF grant), $350,000 (Council)
The Tooradin Public Hall will be upgraded to improve accessibility of the facility to ensure it meets the needs of the current and future community. Community halls are incredibly important meeting places for the community and provide a space to gather, socialise and connect. The upgrade respects the heritage of the hall while providing amenities and access for everyone.
Gwendoline Children's Centre, Berwick, upgrade
$926,000 (GSF grant), $850,030 (Council)
To address Berwick's growing needs for services and programs, the Gwendoline Children's Centre will be upgraded to better support the delivery of essential l services including Kindergarten, Maternal and Child Health and community meeting spaces.
City of Casey CEO Glenn Patterson said the upcoming projects are important Council assets upon which local communities rely.
"These projects demonstrate Council's commitment to advocating on behalf of the community to ensure that residents have access to facilities and spaces that help them form strong local connections and build a sense of community," said Mr Patterson.
"We thank the Victorian Government for its investment into these important community assets and we look forward to working in partnership to deliver these projects for our community."
Myuna Farm Pavilion's construction will commence later this year, while construction at Ray Bastin Reserve will commence in January 2023.
Designs for Tooradin Public Hall upgrades will commence later this year and construction will start in 2023. Gwendoline Children's Centre upgrade will commence by late 2022, with works expected to be completed by mid 2023.
