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ATHERTON GARDENS FAMILY AND CHILDREN’S HUB LAUNCHED Tuesday, 29 June 2010


Plans for the Fitzroy housing estate’s new Family and Children’s Hub have been unveiled at the Atherton Gardens site today.

Housing Minister Richard Wynne today revealed the plans, which will be developed thanks to a $5.66 million partnership between the Gillard and Brumby Labor Governments and the community sector.

Mr Wynne said the Brumby Labor Government was working shoulder to shoulder with the Gillard Labor Government to give vulnerable Victorian families access to high quality services to improve their opportunities and give them the best start in life.

“The Fitzroy housing estate is a diverse and rich community, with many families who need access to high quality child care and other health and parenting services, which this centre will provide in the one location,” he said.

“We have had extensive consultation with residents and other stakeholders about this wonderful project, which means a range of child and family services can be provided, including children’s programs, outside school hours programs and maternal and child health services.

“There will also be family support programs and early intervention programs. Another excellent part of this is that the hub will provide education and training for parents.”

Mr Wynne congratulated a partnership of local family and children’s service providers, which have been working since late 2003 on plans for a flexible and responsive child and family service for the Atherton Gardens and South Fitzroy communities.

He said a consortium including the Brotherhood of St Laurence, Broadmeadows Uniting Care and the City of Yarra was integral in developing the Hub concept.

“These organisations have made a significant financial contribution of $2.31 million to its development and will manage this wonderful new facility once completed,” Mr Wynne said.

“I am pleased the Brumby Labor Government is able to support this fantastic project, with a $2.03 million investment.”

Member for Melbourne Lindsay Tanner said the Federal Government recognised the significance of the Hub project and was investing $1.32 million to ensure its development.

“The Hub development will deliver employment and training initiatives and child and family services to local residents, and deliver much-needed affordable housing in the inner-city,” Mr Tanner said.

“The Family and Children’s Hub in the Atherton Gardens development will provide the services and support necessary to give kids the best possible start to life and will be linked to the employment and training facility also funded by the Gillard Government.

“In practical terms, the co-location of these services will improve access to services and much needed support for families in the area.”




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Last Updated: 29 June 2010
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