By Victoria Stone-Meadows
There were many reasons to celebrate at the Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre on Thursday 30 March.
The centre officially marked the opening of the $1.15 million expansion to the building as well as celebrated 25 years of community learning and engagement.
As the community of Cranbourne North has grown over the years, the community centre is in need of the upgrade to meet the ever- expanding needs of the residents.
The upgrade has new counselling suites, a modernised external facade, a new reception area and administration space, an upgraded commercial kitchen, additional bathroom amenities including an ambulant disabled bathroom with shower and upgrades to the main hall and children’s rooms.
“MPLCC is one of Casey’s busiest community facilities,” Casey mayor Sam Aziz said.
“More than 1000 Casey residents visit the centre each week to participate in adult and youth education programs, access the childcare programs or make a booking with the centre’s counselling services.”
“Council recognises the importance of providing community, sporting and educational facilities for our residents and the positive contribution facilities like MPLCC make to the well-being of individuals and ultimately of the whole community.”
The Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre caters for adult and VCAL education as well as short courses and meeting spaces for community groups.
“We’re proud to deliver a range of improvements for all those who access this highly valued facility, and the team at MPLCC are excited to be able to deliver new and innovative programs for the local community,” Cr Aziz said.
