By DANI ROTHWELL
CARDINIA Shire Council is hosting two information sessions for the community about the Hills Hub within the Emerald Hall precinct.
The meeting will focus on community members being able to give feedback and what the future development of the Hills Hub will entail.
The hub aims to address the important social, health and economic needs in the east-west corridor of the Hills region.
These needs will be met through giving local residents access to health services, educational and skills-based learning and local business information.
“It will also provide sustainable local employment opportunities and make for a more connected local community,” Mayor Leticia Wilmot said.
“This facility is a significant project that will greatly benefit the Hills community for many years to come.”
Ranges Ward councillors are encouraging community members from Cockatoo, Emerald, Gembrook and the surrounding townships to drop in and participate in either session.
Councillor Brett Owen said the needs of the community would help shape the new facility.
“Your input is vital to ensuring that this hub meets your needs and priorities,” he said.
Cr Tania Baxter said that for this reason, it is driven by the local community.
“For this reason I encourage people who live or work in the region to attend one of the information sessions to find out more about the planned facility and tell us what you want it to deliver,” Cr Tania Baxter said.
The $5.7 million project is being funded by Cardinia Shire Council ($3.95 million), the Australian Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund ($1.5 million) and the Eastern Dandenong Ranges Group and Dandenong Ranges Community Bank Group ($250,000).
Sessions will be held on Wednesday 24 June at Emerald Library, 400a Belgrave-Gembrook Road, Emerald, from 1pm to 5pm and 6pm to 8.30pm.
