By Jim Mynard
PREMIER Steve Bracks has announced funding for a $1.2 million one-stop children’s centre at Cranbourne.
Announcing the funding at the Willora Children’s Centre, Cranbourne on Thursday 13 July, Mr Bracks stressed the importance of catering for children in the area.
He said the City of Casey was a wonderful place to live and that people voted with their feet on this point because 55 families a week were moving to Casey.
“This is why we must provide services for children to ensure they get the best possible start in life.
“There is enormous pressure for services to children in the four-year-old group that makes up eight per cent of the Casey population.
“Demand has never been higher and this is why it is important for the government to work in partnership with the City of Casey.”
Mr Bracks said the money would help build a centre with childcare, kindergarten, maternal health, and child disability services in a one-stop shop.
He said the project would mirror the Mother Goose program and would help bring families together.
“I look forward to being back here to open the centre,” he said.
Casey mayor Kevin Bradford said Mr Bracks was supportive of Casey’s efforts and had responded to calls from interface councils for support.
“Since the premier was in the City of Casey eight weeks ago 500 families have moved in and 3500 babies were born in Casey during the last year.
“This places more and more pressure on family services.
Cr Bradford said Casey was the first council to develop this type of family resource centre and would now have them at Cranbourne, Berwick and Narre Warren.
Mayfield Ward councillor Steve Beardon said the funding news was fantastic for Cranbourne.
Cr Beardon said the centre would also provide a real benefit for single car families because of its one stop shop facility.
“Having this sort of centre with these services under one roof was another good reason for people to live in Cranbourne and to enjoy life here.
“I am happy to welcome the premier here because both the government and the council have been good for Cranbourne,” he said.
The council has not yet determined a site for the centre.
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