Kids hub for estate

By Bridget Brady
A NEW $2.3 million childcare hub to be built in the Hunt Club estate is due to open by the middle of next year.
The Hunt Club Children’s Centre will feature a double unit kindergarten and two maternal and child health consulting rooms in the Cranbourne East estate.
Children and Early Childhood Development Minister Maxine Morland last week revealed plans for the “one- stop- shop” children’s hub.
The City of Casey has committed $1.1 million to the project in the 2009-10 budget and the State Government has committed $1.2 million.
A community room for playgroups and community activities is also among the features.
The centre will be built adjacent to the Hunt Club P-12 school, which is due to open in 2011. “By co-locating essential early years services close to school sites, we are supporting Victorian families and also helping children feel familiar with their environment as they make the important transition to school,” Ms Morland said.
Hunt Club Residents Association president Geoff Cohen said the children’s centre was exciting news for residents of the estate.
“I think anything new like that in the area has got to be great,” Mr Cohen said. “There are young families here and most that move here are second home-buyers.”
Cranbourne MP Jude Perera said the new hub would help accommodate young families.
There was a 40 per cent jump in the number of births in the City of Casey in the eight years to 2008, Mr Perera said. “The Hunt Club Estate is rapidly growing and projected growth indicates the number of children aged four and under will jump from 492 to 3420 by 2016,” Mr Perera said. “That’s why I’m pleased to announce this fantastic new centre.”
Casey councillor Amanda Stapledon said the new centre would be a vital addition to the services available to families in the growing area.
The centre is expected to be operating by the second school term next year.