Victoria Deputy Premier Peter Ryan

Victoria Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan

Victoria Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty

Marysville Celebrates Opening Of New Community Centre

Victor P Taffa

Marysville residents today celebrated the official opening of the $9.2 Million Marysville Community Centre.

In Marysville, representing the Deputy Premier and Minister for Bushfire Response Peter Ryan, Minister for Sport and Recreation Hugh Delahunty joined Australia’s Governor General, Her Excellency Quentin Bryce AC CVO, as she declared the new facility in Falls Road open.

“Today is a day of celebration for the people of Marysville and another step forward in the long process to recover and rebuild after the 2009 fires.” Mr. Delahunty said.

“Since the fires, affected communities have put an enormous effort into their recovery and their plans for the future – the Marysville Community Centre is a wonderful example of that.”

The Centre provides a publicly accessible community space to replace a number of meeting places destroyed in the 2009 fires. It houses a multi-purpose community meeting space, community group office, indoor recreation centre, community health service and doctor’s rooms.

The upstairs multi-use community space is equipped with kitchen facilities, opening out on to a balcony with views over the oval. The downstairs level provides a flexible space for recreation activities, events and indoor sports.

Consulting rooms for community health services and treatment rooms for the local doctor have also been provided.

Deputy Premier Peter Ryan said as well as co-locating a number of the town’s community facilities, the new centre would deliver a number of social and economic benefits to the Marysville community.

“The centre will create a central focus for community activities and services allowing for resources to be shared.” Mr. Ryan said.

“It will also support Marysville’s long-term growth by attracting residents and families to the area and demonstrate confidence in the future of the town to potential businesses and investors.”

Mr. Delahunty said the new community facilities were made possible by the generous donations from the public following the fires, with the Victorian Bushfire Appeal Fund contributing $5.28 Million towards the centre.

This was complemented by funding from the state and federal governments, as well as significant contributions from private donors.

VIC Minister for Sport & Recreation Hugh Delahunty