Growth for expansion

By Kelly Yates
A CRANBOURNE North community centre, which attracts more than 800 people a week, was officially reopened last Wednesday after receiving $165,000 worth of extension works.
Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre’s extension includes a new administration office, an extension to the computer room, extra storage facilities and a large multi-purpose community space that can be divided into two rooms and can be used for functions.
The Endeavour Drive centre was officially opened by the City of Casey mayor Janet Halsall and was funded by the City of Casey and the Department of Planning and Community Development’s Modernising Neighbourhood Houses Program.
The centre offers residents the opportunity to participate in a range of health, educational and social activities including belly dancing, yoga, art and craft, computer courses, English classes, and community services certificate and diploma courses in aged care and children’s services.
Manager of the Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre Jan Gilchrist said staff were thrilled with the new extension.
She said it could now meet some of the demands caused by the rapid growth in the Cranbourne North area.
“We will be able to offer more to the community which is a positive and we can as a centre also continue to grow,” she said.
Ms Gilchrist said the centre is run by a volunteer committee of management and is looking for new members.
For further information contact the Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre on 5996 9056.