Minister opens centre

CRANBOURNE’S new community centre was officially opened on the weekend.
The Balla Balla Centre in Cranbourne East will be a hub for performances and arts activities, a meeting place and neighbourhood house.
Victorian Communities Minister Peter Batchelor opened the centre on Saturday, saying the centre would provide a central point for community strengthening activities to support local people.
“It is projects like the Balla Balla Centre we want to encourage under the Government’s social policy action plan A Fairer Victoria.” Cranbourne MP Jude Perera said the Balla Balla Centre was an excellent example of what could be achieved when government and communities worked together.
“Input from the community throughout the planning, design, and naming stages of the Balla Balla Centre has helped to ensure that various multicultural and community needs are met,” Mr Perera said.
He said the community consultation also helped shape many of the centre’s environmentally friendly features including rainwater tanks and solar water panels. Casey mayor Colin Butler also praised the input from the community.
“From idea to reality, this project has benefited from community input.
“The City of Casey recognises that different groups have different needs so council undertook extensive consultation in planning this state-of-the-art facility,” Cr Butler said.
“Balla Balla Centre – Where the Community Unites, is a very appropriate name for this new centre.
“It sends a message of welcome to everyone.”