Families join the hunt

A MULTIFACETED children’s centre in Cranbourne East will service young families in Casey.
The $2.3 million Hunt Club Children’s Centre was opened last week, combining a kindergarten, occasional care, playgroups, parenting services and community facilities.
Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Maxine Morand said the integrated centre was important for the City of Casey, with the highest number of children under five years in Victoria.
The government contributed $1.2 million to the centre and the City of Casey added $1.1 million.
Casey mayor Lorraine Wreford said the facility would help give Casey’s youngest residents the best possible start to life.
Cranbourne MP Jude Perera said it was a win for parents to be able to access a range of services under the one roof.
“The birth rate in the city of Casey has increased 40 per cent over the past 10 years, with almost 4000 babies born in 2008-09 and many more families moving into Casey,” Mr Perera said.
“This is an important service for local families and will ensure our growing community can access the services they need close to home.
“I’m sure this centre will be a great asset for our community for many years to come.”