Works start on $22m Keysy Hub

Cr Rhonda Garad, mayor Eden Foster, Labor MP Tim Richardson and Early Childhood Minister Ingrid Stitt at the Keysborough South Community Hub site on 25 May.

Construction has started on the long-awaited $22 million Keysborough South Community Hub.

The sod was officially turned on the project at Chapel and Villiers roads on Thursday 25 May.

It will be home to a kindergarten, long day care, maternal and child health service, library lounge, community spaces with a commercial kitchen and a playground, basketball ring and amphitheatre.

Greater Dandenong mayor Eden Foster said the day marked a “huge achievement” after seven years of “extensive community consultation” between 2015-’21.

Further public consultation is to come on the hub’s draft strategic plan.

“Our community has been patient as we have worked towards this outcome, and I can’t wait to see it become a much-valued place for all,” Cr Foster said.

“The Hub will be a true asset for our community, a landmark facility with welcoming and flexible spaces that will serve this community for many years to come.”

Keysborough South Ward councillor Rhonda Garad said it was a “great day” for a “community who has fought tirelessly for eight years to see this project realised”.

The suburb has trebled in population since 2009 – with 15,093 recorded in the 2021 Census.

It has led to a significant demand for community services, particularly for early childhood, according to the council.

The State Government contributed $4 million to the hub, which will offer 123 kindergarten places. This includes kindergarten for 3-to-5-year-olds and childcare for 0-to-3-year-olds.

“We’re backing local families with the first-class facilities they want and need, while ensuring the littlest Victorians get every opportunity for the best start to life,” Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Minister Ingrid Stitt said.

“Our nation leading early childhood reforms are giving more Victorian children a better start, while putting more money into the pockets of hard-working families and encouraging new parents back into the workforce.”

Mordialloc MP Tim Richardson said the hub would meet the demand for community services, activities and programs for the rapidly-growing suburb.

Melbcon Pty Ltd won the contract to build the hub. Works are expected to finish by December 2024.