FPPV designed a new and integrated community family centre which allowed a wide range of early childhood services, programs and community activities. This formally and informally met the townships needs for education, health, social support, recreation, cultural expression, social interaction and community engagement.

The use of versatile space fosters a strong sense of community by allowing cross generational use, integration and partnerships with key community stakeholders. Key requirements were that the facility was welcoming, easy to navigate, safe, and inspiring to educational development.

When the Wallan Family and Children’s Centre was opened it was described by current Mayor Cr Rhonda Sanderson as “an exciting new hub, co-located with Wallan Primary School, and the first of its kind in Mitchell Shire. The centre will also serve as a great connection between the community and Wallan Primary School and will make the transition from kinder to school as smooth as possible.”

Kindergarten teacher Tracey Gray says the new centre is “lovely and the connection with Maternal Child Health is great. If the children coming through need some of their checks, it’s in the same building and we can pass things on and support families.”