By Matthew Sims
Writing and publishing, art and music, STEAM [science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics], videogames and board games could be among the subjects under the spotlight in Hobsons Bay council’s upcoming Centres of Excellence initiative.
Under the initiative, the council would establish the specialised knowledge hubs, which will feature programs, activities, specialist equipment and collections around a theme.
Hobsons Bay mayor Peter Hemphill said everyone was welcome to contribute to the Centres of Excellence Strategy and help shape the direction of each centre.
“We have an opportunity to create hubs of specialist knowledge across Hobsons Bay and we want the community to have input into this exciting initiative,” he said.
“We want to know which themes resonate with community members and what types of programs, collections and experience the community would like to see in these spaces.”
Cr Hemphill said the Centres of Excellence Strategy would aim to increase learning opportunities in welcoming and vibrant spaces.
“Our vision is for residents to be able to get more from council services and places,” he said.
“As well as being able to easily access and benefit from traditional council services, we want to help local people achieve their aspirations and goals in places that they can effortlessly access.”
As part of the consultation process, Hobsons Bay council will establish an advisory committee with community representatives.
Following the consultation process, the council will place the final Centres of Excellence Strategy on public exhibition and welcome public comment.
Feedback will close on Friday, July 29.
The program would complement the Council+ initiative, which was recently launched at Williamstown, Altona North and Altona Meadows with more sites coming online by the end of the year.
Council+ has brought together library services and Council customer services, making it easier and more convenient to access over 100 Council services, including rates, parking, waste, community services and planning.
Details: participate.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/excellence
