Victorian Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn joined Councillor Emma Sinclair to cut the ribbon at Biyala Community Hub’s official opening in Armstrong Creek.
The hub will host community recreational activities and classes, provide allied health services and deliver early learning programs in the three-room kindergarten, which is currently accepting enrolments for 3- and 4-year-olds.
The building, at Warralily Boulevard, was completed at Modularity’s Moolap factory before being assembled on site, enhanced by a public space centred around a large native eucalypt, landscaping and carpark construction.
“Armstrong Creek and Mount Duneed are rapidly growing, with 10.6 per cent of residents being babies and preschoolers,” Charlemont Ward councillor Sinclair said.
“This is nearly two times higher than the Greater Geelong region’s average, and we expect another 410 children under four years old are estimated to call the area home this year.”
“I encourage families to sign their children up for kindergarten sooner rather than later to secure their spot and for the wider community to explore the programs on offer in the new community spaces,” Minister Blandthorn said.
“We hope our thriving Armstrong Creek community will embrace the Biyala Community Hub and help it come alive.”
The facility, opened on 5 March, was delivered by the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) three years earlier than planned and was fast-tracked by a VSBA Building Blocks Capacity – Modular Grant from the Victorian government and a council contribution of up to $3.5 million.
