Poa Banyul: State-of-the-art community hub opens

We are delighted to announce the official opening of the Poa Banyul Community Hub a $13 million project located at 110-122 Unity Drive Mount Duneed.

This state-of-the-art facility has been designed to cater to a diverse range of early years and family services including sessional kindergarten maternal and child health services family support consulting rooms and versatile community spaces.

Mayor Trent Sullivan today joined Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn MP to officially open the new facility. Councillor Ron Nelson Councillor Peter Murrihy and Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman MP also attended the opening.

The new hub has been jointly funded by the City of Greater Geelong ($10.7 million) and state government ($2.25 million).

"Poa Banyul " which translates to "Grassy Hill" in the Wadawurrung language reflects the rich cultural heritage of the area.

The hub will provide infants and young children with the ideal foundation for life in a welcoming and easily accessible community space.

It also has beautifully appointed meeting and event spaces for local business and community use.

The hub will complement the nearby community shed helping to create a sense of unity and support within the region. Community support organisation Meli will manage the hub.

Mayor Sullivan: 

Council is committed to delivering the places and spaces the strong and growing community needs.

The hub will nurture the development and learning needs of local children long into the future.

Deputy Mayor Anthony Aitken:  

As the Mount Duneed community continues to evolve the Poa Banyul Community Hub will be critical in supporting childhood development and family services. 

Access to strong early years and family services make communities more resilient. Facilities like this are what attract new families.

Meli CEO Grant Boyd: 

The state-of-the-art Poa Banyul Kindergarten has been embraced by the community and was a wonderful addition to Meli’s network of 30 kindergartens across Geelong the Bellarine and Colac. 

Meli is proud to lead the way in the provision of early years services and contribute to the wellbeing of families.

Poa Banyul is a place where important services are accessible to residents the community can come together in an inclusive supportive environment friendships are fostered and children can thrive.

Member for South Barwon Darren Cheeseman MP: 

The opening of Poa Banyul will ensure critical early-years services are delivered to local families across the South Barwon region. 

The joint investment between the Victorian Government and the City of Greater Geelong will provide more services for local children increasing the amount of opportunities for critical early-years services in Mount Duneed and surrounds. Giving them the best start to life.

Poa Banyul will be open for local families across the South Barwon community including 66 new kindergarten places for the littlest members of South Barwon.