By ANEEKA SIMONIS
THERE was a definite buzz in Beaconsfield on Saturday morning as Prime Minister Tony Abbott rolled into town.
Mr Abbott, joined by Member for La Trobe Jason Wood, made several major Federal Budget announcements as well as called for unity among the many different cultural groups in the state’s south-east.
A $1.5 million cheque was handed to Cardinia Shire Council for the construction of the Emerald Community Hub.
The project to upgrade the existing two-storey Mechanics Hall will provide space and facilities for University of the Third Age (U3A), Men’s Shed, 3MDR Community Radio, art displays and local tourism information.
“This is really a great boost for the area,” Mr Wood said.
The event, held at the Beaconsfield Community Centre, was well-attended by a number of multicultural groups.
Mr Abbott, who indulged many by posing for selfies, used the opportunity to call together people from different backgrounds, stating those that chose to immigrate to the country are in some ways “more Australian” than those born here.
“Many of you were born overseas and, if anything, that adds a special dimension to your commitment to this country,” he said.
“The great thing about this country of ours is, it has always been a country that has welcomed newcomers and made them part of this nation.”
Mr Wood announced an additional $10 million would be allocated from the budget to a Casey cultural precinct Bunjil Place and the Belgrave Health Hub would receive $3.8 million.
“The facility in Belgrave will provide a one-stop health hub for the local and surrounding communities, and I hope to work with already existing local GPs to make sure that this project is successful,” he said.
Cardinia Shire Council also received $2.3 million under the Roads to Recovery fund to fix dangerous roads.
A $500,000 community grant was allocated towards the Emerald Primary School Basketball Centre.
Mr Abbott arrived at the Beaconsfield event after relaunching a campaign to have East West Link rebuilt.
He unveiled a mobile billboard in Ringwood which reads, “East West Link scrapped and you’re…stuck in traffic! Blame Labor” .
