Plaque unveiling marks Children's Hub official opening
Published on 02 August 2018
The unveiling of a plaque has marked the official opening of Horsham’s Kalkee Road Children’s and Community Centre, delivering a range of education, health and support services to children and their families under the one roof.
The Hub was jointly funded with the Victorian Government investing $2.6 million, the Federal Government $900,000 and Horsham Rural City Council $810,926.
Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Pam Clarke said this was a project that had been close to her heart for the past 10 years.
"This has truly been a very successful example of a community project, supported by the passion of the local community, council and the state and federal governments," Cr Clarke said.
"It would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the excellent work of Brand Architects and Locks Construction for their commitment to this quality state-of-the-art facility.
"The immense experience of Brand Architects and their commitment and sensitivity of our indigenous community, is evidenced in the design element of this building.
"Locks Construction, our local builders, were again so committed to this project and the quality and importance of this facility, that it came through in everything they did. Their cooperation and experience was well received by all, and a big part in ensuring this building was completed on time and on budget and that's not something that happens very often.
"This facility provides not only a state-of-the-art structure, but a very practical building to conduct very important services to our community.
"It provides quality kindergarten programs through the Horsham and District Kindergarten Association. It is also the hub for Horsham’s maternal child health services, Goolum Goolum’s Kookas playgroup, supported playgroups, Uniting Wimmera’s parenting training and other specialist services like Barwon CASA and the Horsham Toy Library.
"This beautiful, functional, and fun building is a testament to the hard work and commitment of a lot of people over many years, and it is such a pleasure to be a part of this opening.
"The Kalkee Road Children’s and Community Hub will be here for many years. It is a wonderful example of what can be achieved when a community and all levels of government work together, with a shared passion and vision.
Federal Member for Mallee Andrew Broad attended the official opening and said the Hub provided a new integrated model of care that will have long-reaching benefits for children, families and staff.
“There’s a range of great services already operating out of the new building including an immunisation clinic, a parents playgroup, a toy library, an emergency childcare centre, a playground and kindergarten classes,” Mr Broad said.
“It is so helpful for parents to have all of these great services in the one location.”
Minister for Regional Development, Territories and Local Government John McVeigh said the Horsham North Hub is a crucial piece of infrastructure that has been a long time in the making.
“Giving every child the best start in life is natural decision for any parent and our investment in this centre is about ensuring every child gets access to quality learning and healthcare,” Dr McVeigh said.
State Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford was unable to attend the official opening.