Member for Dandenong Gabrielle Williams has announced $3.6 million for a new family and community centre in Doveton, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s $50 million Growing Suburbs Fund.

The City of Casey will receive the funds to help build the Autumn Place Family and Community Centre.

The Growing Suburbs Fund grant is in addition to a $1,075,000 investment from the City of Casey.

The project includes a new integrated family and community centre with community space, kitchen, courtyard, kindergarten room, flexible community room with outdoor yard, two maternal and child health consultation rooms and park upgrades.

The 2016 Growing Suburbs Fund assists councils build critical local infrastructure for communities in Melbourne’s diverse and fast-growing outer suburbs.

This is in stark contrast to the Liberals’ thought bubble population plan to move Melburnians to the regions. We are putting our fast growing outer suburbs first providing them with the projects and facilities they need.

Thirty-four community projects were funded across our growing outer suburbs as part of last year’s GSF, which included family and community centres, town centres, parks and reserves and playgrounds based on the needs identified by Councils.

In 2015 the City of Casey received $5,022,500 toward the delivery of three projects: the Bridgewater Family Community Centre redevelopment, the Casey Cycling Precinct and the Selandra Integrated Community Centre.

The 10 interface councils eligible for funding are; Cardinia, Casey, Hume, Melton, Mitchell, Mornington Peninsula, Nillumbik, Whittlesea, Wyndham and Yarra Ranges.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Natalie Hutchins

“We were elected to put people first, and we’re doing that by giving our fast growing outer suburbs the facilities and local infrastructure they need.”

“The Liberals ignored their needs for four years. In contrast, we’re supporting these growing communities with parks, playgrounds, sporting facilities and community centres.”

Quotes attributable to MP for Dandenong, Gabrielle Williams

“This is another great project for our community and another example of the way the Andrews Labor Government is putting people first.”