Thursday, 20 September 2018

 Mr EREN (Lara—Minister for Sport, Minister for Tourism and Major Events, Minister for Veterans) (09:44): Last Friday I was honoured to turn the sod on the new Purnell Road Integrated Child and Family Centre. This project is a great example of what can be achieved in education when people work together with a common purpose. There are economic benefits from the state government and the City of Greater Geelong pooling their resources to jointly fund this integrated hub. Together we have achieved incredible value for our $1.6 million investment and the $11.72 million contribution from the council. There are education benefits from the construction of a new early learning facility. More children from the Corio community will be able to learn and develop in modern facilities, providing them the best start in their learning life.

As well as providing a modern 21st-century learning environment for these children, the new integrated hub will have facilities to provide health services. There is also a multipurpose space which can be used for parent groups, playgroups and other community events. Bringing all these elements together will make the new Purnell Road Child and Family Centre a one-stop shop for developing the potential of local children, supporting their families and building community bonds. Congratulations to one and all on this project, and I look forward to seeing the completed product hopefully mid-next year.