Braybrook finally has a library to call its own following construction of the $12.5 million Braybrook Community Hub.
Built as the centrepiece of a Revitalising Braybrook initiative and officially opening on Wednesday, the hub includes a sports pavilion, learning centre and early-years centre, as well as a café, prayer room and spaces for community programs.
The community hub took 15 months to build, with $9 million funding from Maribyrnong council and $3.5 million from the state government.
The hub, in one of the state’s most disadvantaged areas, will be home to maternal and child health services, a community garden, Men’s Shed and public artwork. A range of health and support services will be delivered from the hub by cohealth.
To celebrate the hub’s opening, Maribyrnong council is hosting a week-long program of free activities and workshops from Wednesday.
Activities include a free barbecue, face painting and a basketball clinic along with Sons of the West Western Bulldogs health checks. Other events include author Alice Pung in conversation, permaculture workshops with Vasili from Vasili’s Garden, and a chance to meet football great Doug Hawkins.
The Revitalising Braybrook Action Plan is aimed at improving education, transport, employment and training in the area; enhancing safety; and providing, housing and infrastructure.
The council has partnered government and community organisations in an effort to bring the area’s infrastructure and services up to par with the rest of the municipality.
For further details, go to www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au.
