Five vital new community projects in Whittlesea – including a new centre for older people’s services, upgrades to playgrounds and outdoor spaces, to Mill Park library and an energy efficiency program – will receive more than $2.45 million from the Andrews Labor Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, now approved by Local Government Minister Shaun Leane.

Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio, Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green and Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny announced that the Growing Suburbs Fund will fund Whittlesea City Council for:

–  $1.24 million towards a new Social Support Services facility in Mernda – a purpose- built home for support programs for older people

– $450,000 towards the upgrade of the outdoor areas at the Mill Park Library

– $362,500 for the revitalisation of Rochdale Square in Lalor, including an upgraded playground, new street furniture and landscaping

– $150,000 towards the upgrade of the Carrington Children’s Centre playground and outdoor learning centre in Thomastown

– $250,000 for the Community Energy Efficiency Program – to help install money-saving solar and battery power units at eight community facilities across the whole of Whittlesea.

The investments are part of the extension of a $25 million expansion to the Growing Suburbs Fund announced in June as part of the Government’s response to the economic impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on fast-growing Melbourne communities.

The Growing Suburbs Fund investment complements the Victorian $2.7 billion Building Works Package, which includes over $278 million in shovel-ready infrastructure projects across the state to be delivered through councils.

Since its establishment in 2015, the Growing Suburbs Fund has invested $275 million in funding 221 community projects. This has created more than 7470 jobs and leveraged more than $755 million in investment. A full list of the successful projects is available at localgovernment.vic.gov.au/grants/growing-suburbs-fund.

Quotes attributable to Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio

“I’m very pleased we’re able to support such a broad range of projects in Whittlesea that will help bring forward assets for all ages to benefit from. The jobs and facilities created in Whittlesea through this fund are going to be crucial as we recover from the impact of coronavirus.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Yan Yean Danielle Green

“For the first time there will be a place for older people to get support Mernda which will make a real difference to the Mernda and Doreen senior community, create stronger ties and connections at a time when these ties have never been needed more.” 

Quotes attributable to Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny

“It’s great to see continued support from the Growing Suburbs Fund for Whittlesea as we move into recovery from the pandemic. These projects will support families in Whittlesea to have spaces to go to connect and to learn and thrive.”