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Community centre in Donnybrook

A new community centre is planned for Donnybrook. The multi-purpose facility will deliver essential services to this fast-growing community.

Background

Donnybrook’s population is expected to grow substantially in the coming years, with the number of residents predicted to increase from just 5210 in 2023 to more than 48,123 by 2041.

Council is planning ahead to deliver the infrastructure and services residents need, close to home.

 

Project details

The community centre, which will be located in the Olivine Estate, will cater for the rising demand for three and four-year-old kindergarten programs in the fast-growing north. The centre is set to include two modern kindergarten rooms.

The facility will also include maternal and child health services and feature a community hall and kitchen, two meeting rooms for hire and a public community lounge with library resources.

 

Project update

Work is now underway on the detailed design of the facility, which is expected to open in 2025.

 

Naming the centre

The City of Whittlesea proposes naming the future community centre at 183 Olivine Boulevard, Donnybrook the 'Murnong Community Centre'.

Murnong means 'yam daisy' in the Woi Wurrung language of the Wurundjeri people. Murnong is reflective of the indigenous flora found in the landscape of Donnybrook and its surrounding suburbs. The roots of Murnong plants were an important traditional food source for many Aboriginal people.

In April 2023, Council invited feedback from the public on the Murnong Community Centre name and received 30 responses, with 63 per cent of submissions in support of the name and 37 per cent opposed to the name.

The objections to the proposed name 'Murnong Community Centre' were assessed by Council's Naming Advisory Committee at its meeting on 24 July 2023. The responses were considered in accordance with the principles outlined in the Naming Rules for Places in Victoria 2022 and Council’s Naming Policy for Features.

Based on this assessment and the majority support for the proposed name, Council's Naming Advisory Committee resolved to proceed to formal submission of 'Murnong Community Centre' with Geographic Names Victoria.

Partners

The City of Whittlesea has partnered with the Victorian Government to deliver this facility.

The Victorian Government is providing $2 million from its Growing Suburbs Fund and $709,500 from its Living Libraries Infrastructure Program to support Council’s multimillion-dollar investment into the multi-purpose facility.

 

Centre address

183 Olivine Boulevard, Donnybrook