By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
STATE and federal MPs joined members of Yarra Ranges Shire Council for the official turning of the sod ceremony for the new Belgrave Health Hub on Monday 21 March.
MPs Samantha Dunn, James Merlino and Jason Wood joined with Yarra Ranges Mayor Jason Callanan to officially open the building process.
The two-storey Belgrave Health Hub will contain 14 consulting rooms, four multi-purpose rooms, a large car park and children’s facilities.
Funding for the project has seen all members of government come together with federal funding of $3.84 million, state funding of $1.72 million, Yarra Ranges Council funding of $3.58 million with health provider Inspiro contributing $250,000.
Inspiro president Stephen Potter said he was looking forward to be able to harmonise the group’s services.
“We have grown our services in the community over the last 21 years, but we are a bit disjointed at the moment,” he said.
“We are looking forward to the capacity of this building and being able to provide services in a centralised environment.”
Federal Member for La Trobe Jason Wood said he was very happy to see the project moving along.
“This has been one of those projects,” he said.
“I said many years it would take all the plants lining up for this one to come to life.”
Mr Wood said one of the main successes of this project would be for members of the hills community to be able to access allied health care and integrate a headspace centre for youth mental health.
“One of the areas I’m very passionate about is mental health in young people,” he said.
Deputy Premier James Merlino echoed Mr Woods’ comments and added that incorporating Dandenong Ranges Emergency Relief Service (DRERS) into the hub would provide great benefits.
“I’m very excited about this project for DRERS and the community engagement it will bring,” he said.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Jason Callanan said the building itself would bring great potential for community growth.
“Making healthcare accessible is extremely important and valuable,” he said.
The project is estimated to create 57 construction jobs and 26 ongoing jobs once built for members of the local community, and will take about two years to complete.
