CEO of the Narre Community Learning Centre Wayne Hewitt and executive manager for community development Kay Vrieze presented a report during council’s general purpose committee meeting on Tuesday about the centre’s current and future programs, services and infrastructure needs. 30685
By Kelly Yates
VICTORIA’S largest neighbourhood house is set to expand its infrastructure in an effort to keep up with the high demand in Casey.
CEO of the Narre Community Learning Centre Wayne Hewitt and executive manager for community development Kay Vrieze presented a report during council’s general purpose committee meeting on Tuesday about the centre’s current and future programs, services and infrastructure needs.
The Narre Community Learning Centre, which has been operating since 1981, provides a range of accredited training and general interest classes.
According to Mr Hewitt, the centre is looking at applying for a $1.5 million Federal Government funding boost for major capital works upgrades.
The funding grant is part of the $100 million Investing in Community Education program for not-for-profit community education and training providers across Australia.
“We’d like to extend the building to have around 10 new training rooms to meet with the existing demand,” Mr Hewitt said.
“We’re turning people away because of a lack of funding.”
Mr Hewitt said the new rooms would provide a greater level of service for the client groups the centre catered for.
Ninety per cent of their clients reside in the City of Casey, according to Mr Hewitt.
The Narre Community Learning Centre is calling on Casey council to support the possible extensions by fast-tracking future planning permits, approvals and design.
“The government give us a small timeline to work within, so there’s a very fine line,” Mr Hewitt said.
Mr Hewitt has not received any information in relation to the guidelines from the Government for the possible project.
