By Brendan Rees
A new indoor play centre in Cranbourne geared towards helping people become more employable has opened.
Opening as a community hub on Saturday 2 September, Work for the Dole participants had helped with its construction and designing of pixel pictures for the walls of the cafe.
With a culmination of hard work and dedication, Turningpoint Church community liaison officer Johnee Auvale said the Cameron Street centre would have a positive impact on the community.
“Pastors Phil and Norma Cayzer saw an opportunity to connect with families, old and new in their region and what better way to connect than within an environment of fun, laughter and joyful interaction.”
Mr Auvale said the team at the Pixel Play Centre and Cafe received positive feedback and were “tremendously excited for what lays ahead.”
He said the centre started as a community project allowing the opportunity for people on the Work for the Dole scheme and disability employment services to gain skills and the opportunities of employment.
“Pixel Play Centre and Cafe offers an affordable venue for family events and birthday parties as well as a warm, family friendly cafe that serves up a great barista-made coffee.”
“Whether you’re enjoying the family slide or passing the balls in the ball pit, to a nice hot cup of coffee near the wood fire, Pixel Play Centre and Cafe makes it easy for you to enjoy the special time that you have with your family,” Mr Auvale said.
Cr Amanda Stapledon had the honour of cutting the ceremonial ribbon.
“I am so proud to officially open this incredible centre, offering an outstanding play centre to Cranbourne and the wider community,” she said.
“Pixel Play Centre has been established as a social enterprise to support the local community, currently providing up skilling and work experiences to DVJS participants, and has a desire to support local community groups with a safe place, by having the facilities to host fund-raising events in the near future.”
The centre held an appreciation night on Thursday 21 September for the efforts of contractors, participants from Work For The Dole, and Dandenong Valley Job Services in preparing the building for opening to the public.
Turningpoint Church Pastor Phil Cayzer said the centre was expecting a large crowd.
“We will also have a number of people who will in attendance that as result of having worked with us that have found ongoing employment with other employers and a number that are now employed with Pixel and other linked businesses.”
