Wellington Council seeks design input for new Integrated Centre for Families and Children

Victoria’s Wellington Shire Council is seeking Expressions of Interest to join an Industry Reference Group, informing the design of the new Sale Integrated Centre for Families and Children to be built adjacent to the Gippsland Regional Sports Complex on Gibsons Road in Sale.  

The Industry Reference Group will play an important role in the planning of the new centre, giving industry and community representatives input into the detailed design of the proposed $7.8 million facility, ensuring local needs are considered prior to construction in 2025.

The centre will include a 122-place early childhood education and care (ECEC) service with long day care and kindergarten places, as well as multi-purpose consulting suites, meeting, and activity spaces for early childhood services and community use.

“The Sale Integrated Centre for Families and Children is such an important facility to support young local families living in Sale and surrounds, it’s really important that the community are involved from the get-go,” said Wellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye.

The Council hopes to have a diverse range of people on the panel, including ECEC sector representatives, people from the Allied Health and Maternal Child Health communities, and the Department of Education, along with representatives from the local community. 

Expression of Interest is open to individuals who have a keen interest in contributing to the long-term provision of early years services in Wellington Shire, while also being able to represent a broad range of views that reflect community and sector needs.

Panel members are required to assist the project team by acting as a conduit between Council and the community, providing local perspectives, raising concerns and discussion points, and providing input into the planning and detailed design of the centre.

Successful applicants will be required to meet regularly with the project group, including the lead architect approximately eight times over the next six months. The first meeting will be held in September 2023.

“I encourage passionate community members and qualified industry representatives to lodge their Expression of Interest and provide valuable feedback to Council, supporting the future growth of early years in Wellington Shire” the Mayor added.

Applicants are required to view the Terms of Reference and FAQs listed on the Wellington Shire Council website prior to applying. Applications should be made here before 5pm on Friday 25 August 2023, with applicants to be appointed in September 2023.