Brookwood remains a community centre
Published on 24 July 2026
Brookwood Community Centre in Doreen will remain a community centre after overwhelming feedback against a proposal to lease part of the building to the Doreen RSL.
Council considered more than 400 submissions from residents, centre users and other stakeholders before making the decision not to proceed with the lease, at the Council Meeting on Tuesday 21 July.
Of the 418 submissions received, 314 opposed the proposal to lease part of the centre to the Doreen RSL while 104 supported it. The majority of local residents who provided feedback opposed the plan.
The proposal followed a $1.6 million funding grant from the Australian Government for the RSL to establish a permanent base at the Brookwood Community Centre.
In April 2026, Councillors considered a range of potential operating models aimed at balancing the RSL’s needs with those of the community and the centre’s existing users.
Council subsequently held a four-week consultation process to gauge the level of support for leasing part of the centre to the sub-branch with operational restrictions, while retaining the remainder for community use.
While there was strong support for Doreen RSL and finding the sub-branch a permanent home in Doreen, the use of the Brookwood Community Centre for this use was not supported by a significant majority.
Common concerns raised in submissions opposing the proposal included whether the centre was an appropriate venue for the RSL’s activities and the potential impact on groups and organisations that use the facility.
In addition, concerns were raised regarding potential impacts to neighbourhood amenity, due to extended hours of operation, additional traffic and parking requirements.
Council will now work with both the Doreen RSL and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs to support efforts to identify alternative sites that may suit the sub-branch's needs.
Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Lawrie Cox:
“I thank everyone who took part in the community consultation for providing us with the feedback we needed to make an informed decision,” he said.
“Council understands the important role the Doreen RSL plays in supporting veterans and the broader community, but it is clear the Brookwood Community Centre is not the right place for the sub-branch's permanent home.
“Council is committed to supporting the Doreen RSL in its search for an appropriate venue and we will continue to assist with identifying potential sites, completing grant applications and partnering on community activities.