“The Wendouree West Community Learning Hub is an exciting new facility that brings together important education, health and community services all in the one location for residents in Wendouree West,’’ Mr Brumby said.

“Wendouree West is leading the way in developing innovative, world-class community partnerships to ensure that local residents have the services they need and that those services are easily accessible and high quality.”

Mr Brumby said the state-of-the-art school Yuille Park P-8 Community College was the jewel in the crown of the Learning Hub and recently won the Best Overall Design category in the 2008 School Design Awards.

“Education is this Government’s number one priority and we are investing in education services across the state, including undertaking the state’s biggest infrastructure program ever to deliver quality school buildings to give Victorian students the best possible start in life,” he said.
 
“The project at Yuille Park is a great example of what is happening right across the state to help students have every opportunity to shine and to give our teachers quality working environments.

“It is a fantastic example of the community and the Victorian Government working together to provide a range of vital facilities and services in the one place for families in this area and builds on our commitment to deliver the $1.9 billion Victorian Schools Plan to rebuild, renovate or extend every government school by 2017.’’

The Victorian Government has invested $10.8 million into the centre, with the Federal Government contributing $242,000 and the local school community, $75,000. 

Education Minister Bronwyn Pike launched a University of Ballarat report – Neighbourhood Renewal through community engagement and education: Wendouree West case study – which followed the development of the hub.

“The report highlights the power of what can be achieved through collaboration between a passionate and strong community, government, and local agencies,’’ Ms Pike said.

“It recognises that just as a quality education requires a combination of many things including good curriculum, good teachers and good infrastructure, communities also require a variety of high quality local services and Wendouree West now have them in the one location.”

Ms Overington said she was delighted to see the hub gain the recognition it deserved for helping build the local community.
 
“The tangible result is this great facility for young families of Wendouree to ensure their children learn, thrive and grow in the very best facilities,” Ms Overington said.