‘One-stop for welfare’ plan

By Rebecca Fraser
CASEY could soon be home to a one-stop community services spot.
Plans have been hatched to combine five community welfare organisations in the one location in Narre Warren.
The project has now been deemed a high priority by council and referred to the five-year capital works program.
The proposed development would see the Casey North Community Information and Support Service, South Eastern Region Migrant Resource Centre, Casey Cardinia Legal Service, WAYSS, Options Australia, a disability support service and council officers share the same home.
At Tuesday night’s council meeting, Casey mayor Kevin Bradford said he was also hopeful that a similar community service precinct could be established in Cranbourne.
Cr Bradford also moved that council request funding from the Federal Government for the project.
A council report estimated that a single-storey facility would cost about $4 million to build and would bring many services from Webb Street and the nearby Narre Warren area under the one roof.
The proposed development attracted strong support from councillors on Tuesday and Cr Bradford said the centre would be the first of its kind.
He said the centre would enable residents undergoing emotional or financial hardship to come to the one location for a broad range of assistance.
Councillor Lorraine Wreford also welcomed the move and said the project would bring huge benefits to Casey residents.
Casey deputy mayor Rob Wilson said the community service groups involved had been working on the proposal for two years and this highlighted their level of cooperation and commitment to the project.
He moved that those involved be sent a letter congratulating them on their vision.
Council officers will also prepare an application in partnership with stakeholders to the Department of Victorian Communities to fund the construction of a Casey Community Services Centre.
The recommendation also stated that should the application be successful, council should give consideration to allocating land at Webb Street in Narre Warren for the building of the centre.