By Taylah Eastwell
Five long years of planning, designing, and construction have finally come to fruition, with the much-anticipated Emerald Hills Hub now officially open to community groups.
The all new community hub was officially opened on Monday 14 December by Cardinia Mayor Brett Owen, joined by Cr Jeff Springfield, chairman of Dandenong Ranges Community Bank John Waters, Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing and La Trobe MP Jason Wood.
The modern new facility aims to bring residents in Cockatoo, Emerald, Gembrook and surrounding townships together under one roof to increase social interaction and provide access to a variety of community activities.
The first floor of the two-story facility features a modern entry foyer and reception area, three multi-purpose rooms that can be converted into a large hall space, a large kitchen with servery, two community lounge areas complete with tea stations, amenities accessible to the public, a purpose built workshop and loading bay.
The workshop will be used by the Emerald Men’s Shed and Hills She Shed, who have recently moved into their new permanent home at the hub, alongside Emerald University of the Third Age (U3A), Puffing Billy Toy Library and Emerald Village Association.
The second floor showcases two training rooms, a consulting suite, a meeting room, an informal meeting space and a rehearsal and art performance space.
Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Councillor Brett Owen said the Hills Hub brings together U3A Emerald, the Emerald Men’s Shed, Hills She Shed, Puffing Billy Toy Library, Emerald Village Association and many other wonderful community groups and not-for-profit organisations, under one roof, to improve access to a range of activities and services, increase social participation and strengthen community connections.
“The facility also provides local businesses and training organisations with opportunity to hire meeting, consulting and training rooms to support home and small businesses and enhance local training opportunities and pathways to employment,” Mr Owen said.
“The arts and performance space will accommodate an annual program of arts initiatives, activities and events, supporting existing and emerging artists and increasing local participation in and appreciation for local arts projects.
La Trobe MP Jason Wood said the project, which has been in the works since February 2015, was made possible through the “sheer blood, sweat, tears and pride of the local community”.
“I am incredibly proud of what our community has done here, and I hope other communities use it as an example of the great work and they can also do when they get together,” Mr Wood said.
The Hills Hub is located at 402 Belgrave-Gembrook Rd, Emerald and will open to the general public from Monday 1 February 2021 subject to COVID-19 restrictions.
