Murnong Community Centre in Donnybrook

As of April 2024:

• the detailed design of the facility is now complete
• the construction contract was awarded in March and construction commenced in June 2024
• the centre is estimated to open in late 2025.

A major milestone was reached on 27 March 2024 with the ceremonial turning of the first sod on the Murnong Community Centre.

City of Whittlesea CEO, Craig Lloyd, joined Member for Yan Yean, Lauren Kathage to mark the occasion.

"The Murnong Community Centre will be an accessible and inclusive facility providing residents with the support services they need from birth through to their senior years," said City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson. "Having this centre close to home will reduce the need for Donnybrook residents to travel long distances to access essential community services." 

The Murnong Community Centre will feature a number of sustainability features:

• a 40kW Solar PV system to offset power use
• rain garden, permeable car park and water tank used for toilets and irrigation
• reclaimed and recycled content and certified sustainability materials specified in the project
• natural ventilation mixed with mechanical service for optimum ventilation
• optimum building orientation for heating and cooling
• double glazed windows
• indigenous plants specified for the landscape area.

Geographic Names Victoria has officially approved and registered the name Murnong Community Centre for the future 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 the majority of submissions in support of the name.

Murnong Community Centre will include a 66-place kindergarten to complement the existing 33-place kindergarten on the Donnybrook Primary School site next door.

To enrol in three or four-year-old kindergarten at Murnong Kindergarten, visit Council's kindergarten application page.

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