Housing Minister Richard Wynne today joined residents of Eaglehawk and Long Gully to celebrate a remarkable transformation of their neighbourhoods, thanks to a partnership with the Brumby Labor Government and the community.
“During the past eight years, our investment in Neighbourhood Renewal in this area has drawn local residents together to work with Victorian Government and other agencies to strengthen the community, build infrastructure and create opportunities for education, training and employment,” Mr Wynne said.
Mr Wynne launched two reports at the celebratory event, which was part of the Bendigo Region Community Cabinet. The Eaglehawk and Long Gully Neighbourhood Renewal 2002-2010 Final Evaluation Report highlights achievements of the project and residents’ stories and experiences during the last eight years.
The second report, Our Plan Our Future 2010-2012, is the communities’ two-year action plan to guide the continuing work of local service organisations and residents established during the Neighbourhood Renewal program.
Member for Bendigo West Bob Cameron said the Brumby Labor Government had invested more than $20 million through Neighbourhood Renewal at Long Gully, which had delivered 250 improvements and upgrades to public housing homes, as well as a major housing redevelopment in Long Gully.
“Local education, employment and training have been a key priority for the program with more than 140 jobs and training opportunities created for local people,” Mr Cameron said.
“The new Bright Street Enterprise Hub has become a place of opportunity and activity for the local community creating 22 jobs and traineeships.”
Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan said over the last eight years over $5.3 million has been invested in Eaglehawk.
“A School Engagement Worker at Eaglehawk Secondary School is helping keep local students on track and supported, and a new Integrated Children’s Services Centre has been established on the Comet Hill Primary School site.
“The Bright Street Community Park has been redeveloped and a new community garden established for the local community,” Ms Allan said.
Mr Wynne said the projects had delivered practical benefits and a range of opportunities for the local community.
“And they have been achieved because of a strong partnership between local residents, Government agencies and community organisations,” he said.
“The City of Greater Bendigo Council has played an important role in Neighbourhood Renewal in Eaglehawk and Long Gully and has been supporting the communities to transition to a new community capacity building model.
“The results are tangible – you can see them not just in the buildings and facilities, but in growth in employment, better school outcomes, and on the faces of Eaglehawk and Long Gully residents.
“By empowering and supporting the local communities, the Brumby Labor Government has delivered a sense of pride and purpose to the residents of Eaglehawk and Long Gully, and that’s something all Victorians can be proud of.”