New space: Community members gathered for the opening of Echuca East’s new Community Precinct onSunday, July 24.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
The doors of the Echuca East Community Precinct have officially opened and a number of community groups have now been welcomed into their new home-base.
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The modern-looking multi-purpose facility will provide a space for passive and informal recreation activities such as after-school care, first aid programs, school holiday programs, dog obedience classes, dog events, girl guides, quilting, community radio, the Echuca Lions Club and other various clubs and activities.
A new playground and barbecue area has also been erected at the site.
Community members gathered to celebrate the opening of the new precinct with a council-organised event that featured an entertaining performance by Echuca Federal Band and the hosting of a sausage sizzle.
Celebratory performance: Echuca Federal Band played at the grand opening of the new multi-purpose community facility in Echuca East.
Photo by
Bransen Gibson
Long anticipated: Campaspe Shire councillor Rob Amos said the Echuca East Precinct has been planned since 2016.
Photo by
Bransen Gibson
Campaspe Shire councillor, Rob Amos said the eagerly anticipated re-development has been a long time coming.
“The master plan was adopted before my time, by the council of 2016. Through many years of concept designs, preliminary designs, detailed designs... works on stage one started in July, last year,” Mr Amos said.
“This building was constructed in collaboration with out user groups, to ensure every element is suitable for each group’s needs. We’ve definitely come a long way from those old portables down the back.
“To say we in council are excited about this development is an understatement and I know that excitement is also reflected in the community.”
Community spirit: (From left) Ian Whatley from Echuca Lions Club, Adrian Richardson from Rich River First Aid, EMFM’s Jimbo Harris, Recreation committee member Wendy O'Hara, Recreation committee president Peter Murphy, former councillor Neil Pankhurst, after school program director Dianne Ross, former councillor Graeme Rosenow, Deputy Mayor Colleen Gates and Cr Rob Amos at the Echuca East precinct opening.
Photo by
Bransen Gibson
The project is not yet completely finalised as stage two of the development is now underway. As part of stage two, there will be the addition of a dog park, shared pathways and the installation of more outdoor seating.
Following that, stage three will commence, which will see the construction of additional parking areas.
By the completion of the project, Campaspe Shire will have invested $6,000,000.
Loan funding for the project was secured through the Department of Environment, Water and Land.
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