Construction has started on the new Dandenong Wellbeing Centre at Mills Reserve, Dandenong.
The first sod was turned by City of Greater Dandenong Mayor, Jim Memeti, Cleeland Ward Councillor, Cr Rhonda Garad and the Federal Member for Bruce, Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs, Julian Hill MP on Saturday 5 July.
The centre will replace the ageing Dandenong Oasis and focus on allied health, education, fitness and wellness.
Mayor Cr Memeti said today was not just about concrete and construction but about people.
“This project is about creating a welcoming, inclusive place where we can achieve our goal of getting more people more active, more often,” Cr Memeti said.
“This is the single largest investment Council has ever made in our city and I’m incredibly proud it’s an investment in health, wellbeing, inclusion and water safety. This centre will provide a place where everyone – no matter their age, culture or ability – can connect, move and thrive.”
Cr Memeti said that today was also a moment to celebrate the past.
“Dandenong Oasis has served this community proudly for nearly 50 years,” Cr Memeti said. “It’s been a place of first swimming lessons, after school fun, hydrotherapy sessions and social connection.”
“So many members of our community have incredible memories of Dandenong Oasis and we will continue to collect these to reflect on the past and celebrate visions for the future.
“The stories we are hearing through social media, online comments and the giant memory board at Dandenong Oasis have been moving, funny and inspiring – and they have reminded us just how important community spaces like this truly are.
“To honour this legacy we’ll be collecting those memories and preserving them for the next generation in a very special way – through a time capsule. It will be installed at the new centre and opened in 50 years’ time.”
Julian Hill MP said the Australian Government was proud to be investing $20 million in this project.
“The Albanese Labor Government’s $20 million investment in the new Dandenong Wellbeing Centre is all about bringing world-class infrastructure into the heart of Melbourne’s southeast for generations to come, helping families keep active without having to leave their neighbourhood,” Hon. Julian Hill MP said.
The contract for the Dandenong Wellbeing Centre was awarded to ADCO Constructions Pty Ltd earlier this year. ADCO is a national leader in the construction of sports and aquatic facilities and are currently building the Mordi Aquatic Centre for the City of Kingston and recently completed the Carnegie Memorial Swimming Pool for City of Glen Eira.
The new centre will open in 2027.