The Yirrama Community Hub will be a purpose-built community facility providing a central and accessible space for local families and community groups within the Armstrong Creek’s Horseshoe Bend Precinct in Charlemont on Wadawurrung Country. Due to open in January 2027.

It will include Kindergarten, Maternal and Child Health, Allied Health, a sensory room and multipurpose community spaces - providing a central and accessible space for local families and community groups within Charlemont.

Construction commenced in June and is co-located with the new Yirrama Primary School, offering families the convenience of a single drop-off point.

Location

Charlemont is located approximately 7.5kms from the Geelong City Centre and is bordered by Marshall, Grovedale and Armstrong Creek.

What's included

• 4 Kindergarten rooms (132 licensed places)
• 3 Maternal and Child Health/Allied health consult suites
• A sensory room
• Large multipurpose community rooms with courtyard access
• Community kitchen
• Small and medium meeting rooms
• Car park and bike parking
• Green spaces to gather and play

Funding and Support

The hub is jointly funded by Council and the Victorian Government’s Building Blocks Capacity Building Expansion Program, which has contributed $9 million.

Cultural Design and Connection to Country

Parrwang-Inspired Design

The hub draws on the Wadawurrung story of Parrwang, the magpie, to create a space rooted in culture, care, and community.

“Deeply listen as the sun rises – you will hear the magpies tell us their name, Parrwang.”

Design features include:

• A timber canopy referencing magpie nests high in the biyal (red river gum)
• A forecourt shaped with garden beds and seating, encouraging pause and social connection
• Interior palette reflecting local sclerophyll forest habitats with earthy tones and natural materials
• A calm, inviting space designed for learning, nurturing, and gathering

This narrative and design were developed in partnership with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, acknowledging and embedding cultural knowledge into the heart of the community.

Stay updated

Recent works completed:

• Toilet partitions
• Timber battens to Forecourt canopy commenced
• Playground structures
• External Fascia
• Concrete paths to community area
• Pinboards joinery installed

We’ll continue to share updates as the project progresses.

Community engagement opportunities

How to enrol

Meli Kindergarten Services will operate our new community facility.

For more information about kindergarten programs, visit: meli.org.au/kindergartens or call 5273 0200.