the sod turns at sherbrooke

What a terrific day to celebrate the power of community. Today saw the official marking of the first stage of construction of Sherbrooke Children's Centre with a 'turning of the sod'. ...Great things can be achieved when the three tiers of government work together. From left to right: Laura Smyth - Federal member for La Trobe, James Merlino - State member for Monbulk, Cr Samantha Dunn, Cr Terry Avery and Cr Noel Cliff, joined by some keen little helpers. .................................................................................................... In a great leap forward from a time 6 years ago when the centre was mooted for closure, the centre is now being rebuilt into a state of the art Family and Children's Centre incorporating a long day care centre, preschool, maternal child health centre, community space and the refurbished Upwey Hall. ........................................................................................................................................ The closure of Sherbrooke Children's Centre was the reason I first ran for council in 2005, up to that stage, me along with other angry parents had campaigned for 2 years to keep the dearly loved and excellent quality Sherbrooke Children's Centre open. ...................................................................................................................................... It's terrific to look back and see how far the centre and this project has come. ....................................................................................................... It is with a sense of personal pride I turn this first sod, knowing that when the centre is built many more children across the Dandenongs will have even better access to the best quality long day care on the mountain. .................................................................................................................................... If you'd like to read about the history of Sherbrooke Children's Centre and the fight to keep it open, click here, here, and here.