Locals needed to lock in designs for new community centre

Wellington Shire Council is seeking Expressions of Interest to join an Industry Reference Group, informing the design of the new Sale Integrated Centre for Families and Children to be built adjacent to the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex, Gibsons Road in Sale.  

The Industry Reference Group will play an important role in the planning of the new centre, giving industry and community representatives input into the detailed design of the proposed $7.8 million facility, ensuring local needs are considered prior to construction in 2025.

The function of the Industry Reference Group is to provide information, advice, and suggestions to Council about the design of the centre expected to provide a combined 122 new childcare and kindergarten places, multi-purpose consulting suites, meeting, and activity spaces for early childhood services and community use.

Wellington Shire Council is looking to appoint a diverse group of people to the panel, including industry representatives across Early Years, Allied Health, Maternal Child Health and the Department of Education. Community representatives are also encouraged to register their interest.

Expression of Interest is open to individuals who have a keen interest in contributing to the long-term provision of early years services in Wellington Shire, while also being able to represent a broad range of views that reflect community and industry needs.

Panel members are required to assist the project team by acting as a conduit between Council and the community, providing local perspectives, raising concerns and discussion points, and providing input into the planning and detailed design of the centre.

Successful applicants will be required to meet regularly with the project group, including the lead Architect approximately eight times over the next six months. The first meeting will be held in September 2023.

Wellington Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ian Bye said that he is really excited that the design of the new centre is commencing.

“The Sale Integrated Centre for Families and Children is such an important facility to support young local families living in Sale and surrounds, it’s really important that the community are involved from the get-go.

“I encourage passionate community members and qualified industry representatives to lodge their Expression of Interest and provide valuable feedback to Council, supporting the future growth of early years in Wellington Shire” Cr Bye said.

Applicants are required to view the Terms of Reference and FAQs listed on the Wellington Shire Council website at www.wellington.vic.gov.au/gibsonsrd.

To apply to become a member of the Industry Reference Group, please lodge your application at www.wellington.vic.gov.au/gibsonsrd before 5pm on Friday 25 August 2023.

Applications will be reviewed and appointed in September 2023.