As part of the sub-committee exploring the relocation of North Ringwood Community House, we visited other new and relocated community centres to learn about the processes involved and the cooperation they received from all levels of government.
We first visited The Avenue Community House, which was re-located to Eley Park in Blackburn in refurbished and extended community facilities. The house shares the facilities with the Eley Park Community Association and we discussed the partnerships that have been formed to improve services to the community. The Avenue has a number of similarities with North Ringwood Community House, including that it was formerly located on church land and a new premises was required to allow the house to expand its courses and services.
The second house we visited was The Pines Learning Centre, which includes a community house and Manningham U3A. The building is just over twelve months old and provides comparable rooms and facilities for both groups, although they operate on a largely autonomous basis.
The tour and discussion will assist North Ringwood Community House in planning for its relocation and new facilities. As a councillor and a member of the community of management I am committed to securing a sustainable future for the house and I look forward to working with all levels of government to ensure that this occurs.
Alex, I am proud to have played a small part in the development of both these centres. Both were funded partially by Federal regional partnership grants which were facilitated by the Melbourne East ACC. They were also heavily funded by the Victorian Government and by their respective local councils.
It is important to note that both projects were driven by their local councils the Cities of Manningham and Whitehorse and officers of both councils were critical to the success of both projects. I think this is an important lesson for North Ringwood Community House; we need to ensure that a majority of Maroondah councillors are supporting this project and that the appropriate council officers are driving it.
Peter,
Thanks for your comments and the background information. I trust that the majority of councillors are supportive of North Ringwood Community House and the services it provides to the community.
The Avenue Community House and The Pines Learning Centre are examples of what can be achieved when all levels of government; local, state and federal, work together on behalf of their communities.
It would be great to speak to you further about the regional partnership grants. The house is intending to engage all levels of government and it is encouraging to see there is scope for potential federal government involvement.
Thanks,
Alex