Hub upgrade delivers support for community services
Published on 09 August 2024
A $750,000 renovation of the Epping Community Services Hub will ensure residents can continue to access a range of vital support services at a time of great demand.
City of Whittlesea CEO Craig Lloyd was joined by Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny MP on Thursday, 8 August to mark the refurbishment’s completion.
The hub, located at 713 High Street, Epping, was set up in 2016 as a place for partner organisations to deliver services to residents of all ages, and just last year was recognised at the LGPro Awards for Excellence for its outstanding work in helping residents navigate the complex health service system.
Currently 13 organisations provide services such as employment, disability, financial, mental health and domestic and family violence support, as well as emergency relief and family counselling.
However, with demand for services growing, the renovations will provide additional space for new and existing partner organisations to provide face-to-face and online support.
The works included construction of three additional consulting rooms, two breakout rooms for partner organisations to use and an expanded office space catering for 10 new workstations.
There is also a new private waiting area, upgraded heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and a refresh of existing consulting rooms.
CEO Craig Lloyd said the revamped Epping Community Services Hub will help to provide residents with the support they need when they need it most.
“Rapid population growth and cost of living pressures have increased demand for many of the important services that are offered from the hub,” he said.
“These renovations will allow existing service providers to operate in purpose-built spaces that cater to the diverse needs of the community.
“It is essential that residents can access support in a safe and welcoming environment, and I thank the Victorian Government for its support in making this project happen.”
The City of Whittlesea contributed $375,000 towards the refurbishment, which was matched by the Victorian Government through a $375,000 grant from its Growing Suburbs Fund.