Community

Services and

Infrastructure

Plan 2018-2038

3 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

Contents

1 . Overview ............................................................. 1

2. Background ......................................................... 6

3. Service Facilities Assessed ............................. 11

4. Planning Districts ............................................. 13

5. Service Summary .............................................25

4 Year Old Kindergarten ..................................................25

Arts and Culture ..................................................................30

Bicycle Education Facilities ............................................32

Community Halls and Meeting Spaces ......................33

Guide and Scout Halls.......................................................36

Housing of Local History and

Heritage Artefacts ............................................................ 37

Library Service ....................................................................38

Long Day Care .....................................................................40

Maternal and Child Health ..............................................42

Neighbourhood Houses ..................................................44

Planned Activity Group (PAG) .......................................46

Playgroup ..............................................................................48

Youth Services .....................................................................51

6. Implementation ................................................54

6.1 Deliver services and establish

partnerships ...............................................................55

6.2 Maintain and improve existing

infrastructure .............................................................62

6.3 Development of new multipurpose

community hubs .......................................................63

1. Overview

Brimbank is evolving

Brimbank is a dynamic, bustling and growing

place at the heart of Melbourne’s booming

west. People living and working in Brimbank,

and our many visitors are already experiencing

significant and positive change. The City’s

population is more than 200,000 and is

expected to grow by 9.2% or 21,190 new

residents by 2038. The challenges of shifting

demographics, Government policy and service

model reforms, ensuring social equity and

access in a constrained fiscal environment are

transforming the way in which services and

infrastructure are funded and delivered to

meet future needs.

Council is being innovative, future focused

and responsive to changing community needs

by planning for community services and

infrastructure delivery over the next 20 years.

2 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

Community

Services and

Infrastructure Plan

This Community Services and Infrastructure Plan:

• Explains Brimbank City Council’s evidence-based

approach to Community Services and Infrastructure

Planning and delivery;

• Describes Council’s role in planning, developing and

maintaining community infrastructure;

• Provides an overview of community infrastructure

Council currently has and what service facilities will be

required by planning district over the short, medium and

long term;

• Guides decision-making on future community

infrastructure projects, funding requirements, advocacy

efforts and partnership opportunities;

• Is aligned with the goals and strategic objectives

listed in the Brimbank Community Vision (2040) and is

a Year One action in the Brimbank Council Plan 2017-

2021.

What is

Community

Infrastructure?

Community infrastructure refers to facilities that

accommodate services which:

• Support and contribute to meeting the needs and

promoting the wellbeing of individuals, families, groups

and communities through the life stages;

• Fulfil a generic community function (community

health, education, meeting spaces, child care, libraries,

recreation and arts and culture).

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 3

The planning and financial management obligations

outlined in the Victorian Local Government Act 1989 and

Planning and Environment Act 1987 are the legislative

drivers for the development of a future-focused

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan.

Council’s approach to community services and

infrastructure planning is consistent with the roles and

functions listed in the Brimbank Council Plan 2017-2021

and Community Services and Infrastructure Planning

Major Policy:

1. Deliver Services

– Council commits to delivering

quality services in and out of Council infrastructure, that

adopt best practice approaches in supporting the health

and wellbeing of the Brimbank Community.

2. Develop Community Hubs

– Council aims to align

services that address all life-stages, through the provision

of community infrastructure that is modern, flexible, well

located and accessible rather than developing ‘single use’

facilities.

3. Maintain and Improve Existing Infrastructure

–

Council will seek opportunities to expand and improve

existing infrastructure, when deemed appropriate.

4. Establish partnerships

– Council will seek alternative

service and infrastructure delivery options by establishing

partnerships with a range of stakeholders.

The following guiding principles will be taken into account

in the planning and delivery of community services and

infrastructure.

Building Community Resilience

• Investing in services and facilities strengthens

community resilience.

• Addressing or avoiding future shocks through innovative

responses.

• Planning for diversity by ensuring responsive facilities

meet community needs.

We will build community resilience by:

• Designing facilities to promote harmony and cross

cultural engagement.

• Developing facilities with flexibility to allow for diverse

uses.

• Providing opportunities for community leaders to come

together, learn and share.

Community First

• Listening to the community to identify priorities and

needs.

• Challenging the status quo to address issues of access

and equity.

• Increasing community awareness of what is offered.

We will put Community First by:

• Involving all of our community in decision making and

planning.

• Actively encouraging community leadership.

• Using existing leadership structures to reach hard to

access groups.

4 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

Social Justice

• Providing opportunities for social and economic inclusion.

• Recognising access and equity by ensuring all groups

have equal standing.

• Distributing facilities equitably to address diverse needs.

We commit to a just and inclusive community by:

• Striving for equity of access and opportunity (gender,

disability and diversity).

• Maintaining affordable services to decrease economic

barriers to participation.

• Taking into account socio-economic status and

demographics when planning.

• Considering supported access if there are barriers to

participation.

Sustainability

• Seeking new partnership models of funding for

community infrastructure.

• Ensuring maximum and efficient use of community

facilities.

• Recognising access and equity by ensuring infrastructure

is within close proximity to public transport.

We strive for sustainability by:

• Ensuring that planning is future focused and dynamic.

• Using evidence of community need to inform planning

and make decisions.

The following legislation, Council adopted policies,

strategies and plans, as well as those under

development, have informed the Community Services

and Infrastructure Plan:

Demand Assessment Scoring:

• There is a sufficient quantity of infrastructure

provision in relation to current and future

population size by municipality and planning

district.

• Legislated provision.

• Industry benchmarks for provision of facility type per

population size.

• Number of private owned and operated facilities

compared with Council owned facilities in the

municipality and planning district (market share and

national competition policy).

• Facility provision ratio – undersupply/oversupply of

facilities per target population, building size, etc.

Quality (suitability, universal access):

Demand Assessment Scoring:

• Facilities are fit for their purpose.

• Facilities comply with legislative obligations

including the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA)

1992, Equal Opportunity and Human Rights

obligations and Brimbank Social Justice Charter.

• Infrastructure will be multipurpose (accommodate

a range of services, groups, activities and

programs), integrated and co-located, where

possible, to meet community needs.

• Ensure that facilities are in the right place and have

the required infrastructure.

• Fit for purpose assessments which measure:

– Compliance

– Location and travel accessibility

– Appearance, configuration and fit out

– Integration, multipurpose use

• Ensure that facilities meet an agreed standard and

do not over or under service the community.

Meets Target

,

Over Supplied or Under Supplied

Fit for Purpose

,

Attention Required

or

Unfit For Purpose

8 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

Catchment (travel accessibility):

Demand Assessment Scoring:

• People can travel to services and facilities within a

reasonable journey time/distance.

• Where feasible, the location and development of

community infrastructure will be consistent with

the principles of Plan Melbourne 2017 - 2050.

Priority is given to disadvantaged communities and

reducing social inequality.

• Facility provision to meet the ‘public interest test’

in regards to reducing inequity and strengthening

the local community, achieving strategic priorities

in the Council Plan.

• Location of facilities close to activity centres,

community focal points, public transport, pedestrian

and cycling networks.

• People in the target population have access to

facilities in line with the Plan Melbourne ‘20-minute

neighbourhoods’ objective (20 minute travel either

by walking, cycling, public transport or driving,

dependent on service).

• Facility provision gaps in areas within planning

districts.

Utilisation:

Demand Assessment Scoring:

• Existing facilities have adequate capacity to meet

community demand.

• Ensure Council is not under or over servicing the

community.

• Maximising the use of community facilities.

• Overall utilisation of combined service facilities

across the municipality and by planning district.

• Under/over performing facilities in relation to

specified service capacity target.

Asset Condition:

Demand Assessment Scoring:

• Assets are safe and in adequate physical condition

for community use.

• Ensure assets meet established facilities

standards.

• Priority will be given to the renewal of an existing

asset over creation of a new asset.

• Asset Score

– Asset condition

– Remaining economic life

• Ensure building meets minimum facility standards.

Meets catchment target

Meets Usage Target

1 - Excellent 2 - Good

Doesn’t meet catchment target

Exceeds Usage Target

3 - Average

Under Usage Target

4 - Poor 5 - Failed

or

,

,

or

or

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 9

Demand Assessment – involves the analysis of population forecasts (size and type); service cohorts (age ranges) and

participation rates; community needs and potential demand this will create for a service; current and future trends

affecting demand; audits of Council service facilities; and identification of facility gaps.

Demand Assessments have informed the development of this Community Services and Infrastructure Plan, which lists

priority infrastructure projects and strategic work to address quantity, quality, accessibility, utilisation or asset condition

standards of community service facilities. These assessments use planning districts – applying a place based approach

to determine specific needs and service gaps in areas of the municipality.

Engagement with the community and partners is essential at this stage to confirm if current and future needs will be

met by the recommendations outlined in this Community Services and Infrastructure Plan.

Council will consider making decisions to prioritise recommendations, invest or rationalise community infrastructure

based on the detailed Demand Assessments for each service, the Brimbank Community Facilities Capital Development

Major Policy 2016 and community feedback. Once infrastructure priorities have been determined, Council will undertake

feasibility studies to ensure project proposals meet community needs and are aligned with the Brimbank Community

Vision 2040, Council Plan objectives, principles and community values.

This stage translates one or more of the Community Services and Infrastructure Plan recommendations into a detailed

and fully costed business case to determine the feasibility and potential funding sources for a capital works project.

Approved project proposals proceed through Council’s existing capital works planning and delivery processes.

The purpose of project evaluation is to capture learnings from the delivery of projects and incorporate these in the

design and delivery of future projects. A review of Council’s approach determines if intended benefits have been

delivered and highlight opportunities to improve future community service and infrastructure planning approaches.

3. Service Facilities

Assessed

Council owned or managed facilities for the following services are within the scope of this Community Services and

Infrastructure Plan:

• Arts and culture

• Bicycle education facilities

• Community halls and meeting spaces

• Housing of local heritage and historical artefacts

• Library services

• Neighbourhood Houses

Life-stage Services:

• 4 year old Kindergarten

• Guides / Scouts

• Long Day Care

• Maternal and Child Health

• Planned Activity Group (PAG) for frail aged

and people with disabilities

• Playgroups

• Youth Services.

Sports facilities are not in scope for this project and have

been analysed separately in the Brimbank Sports Facility

Development Plan 2018.

Data on privately owned or managed facilities has been

analysed where available for services. This information on

private sector operation reveals current market conditions

and the level of private service delivery in Brimbank.

030 - 0218

Community

Infrastructure

Summary 2018

Annual visits

Hoursusedby the

community annually

182

facilities

buildings

44%

of Council owned buildings

are at least

40 years old

57,627m

2

in Council owned

buildings

2,726,888 313,347

Project Scope

Council services:

129

Council buildings

• Arts and Culture

• Life-stage Services

• Libraries and Learning

Centres

• Neighbourhood Houses

• Youth Centres

• Halls and Meeting Spaces

Engagement, Advocacy and Communication

030 - 0218

Community

Infrastructure

Summary 2018

Annual visits

Hoursusedby the

community annually

182

facilities

buildings

44%

of Council owned buildings

are at least

40 years old

57,627m

2

in Council owned

buildings

2,726,888 313,347

Project Scope

Council services:

129

Council buildings

• Arts and Culture

• Life-stage Services

• Libraries and Learning

Centres

• Neighbourhood Houses

• Youth Centres

• Halls and Meeting Spaces

Engagement, Advocacy and Communication

030 - 0218

Community

Infrastructure

Summary 2018

Annual visits

Hoursusedby the

community annually

182

facilities

buildings

44%

of Council owned buildings

are at least

40 years old

57,627m

2

in Council owned

buildings

2,726,888 313,347

Project Scope

Council services:

129

Council buildings

• Arts and Culture

• Life-stage Services

• Libraries and Learning

Centres

• Neighbourhood Houses

• Youth Centres

• Halls and Meeting Spaces

Engagement, Advocacy and Communication

030 - 0218

Community

Infrastructure

Summary 2018

Annual visits

Hoursusedby the

community annually

182

facilities

buildings

44%

of Council owned buildings

are at least

40 years old

57,627m

2

in Council owned

buildings

2,726,888 313,347

Project Scope

Council services:

129

Council buildings

• Arts and Culture

• Life-stage Services

• Libraries and Learning

Centres

• Neighbourhood Houses

• Youth Centres

• Halls and Meeting Spaces

Engagement, Advocacy and Communication

030 - 0218

Community

Infrastructure

Summary 2018

Annual visits

Hoursusedby the

community annually

182

facilities

buildings

44%

of Council owned buildings

are at least

40 years old

57,627m

2

in Council owned

buildings

2,726,888 313,347

Project Scope

Council services:

129

Council buildings

• Arts and Culture

• Life-stage Services

• Libraries and Learning

Centres

• Neighbourhood Houses

• Youth Centres

• Halls and Meeting Spaces

Engagement, Advocacy and Communication

030 - 0218

Community

Infrastructure

Summary 2018

Annual visits

Hoursusedby the

community annually

182

facilities

buildings

44%

of Council owned buildings

are at least

40 years old

57,627m

2

in Council owned

buildings

2,726,888 313,347

Project Scope

Council services:

129

Council buildings

• Arts and Culture

• Life-stage Services

• Libraries and Learning

Centres

• Neighbourhood Houses

• Youth Centres

• Halls and Meeting Spaces

Engagement, Advocacy and Communication

030 - 0218

Community

Infrastructure

Summary 2018

Annual visits

Hoursusedby the

community annually

182

facilities

buildings

44%

of Council owned buildings

are at least

40 years old

57,627m

2

in Council owned

buildings

2,726,888 313,347

Project Scope

Council services:

129

Council buildings

• Arts and Culture

• Life-stage Services

• Libraries and Learning

Centres

• Neighbourhood Houses

• Youth Centres

• Halls and Meeting Spaces

Engagement, Advocacy and Communication

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 11

4. Planning Districts

A place based approach has been applied to community service and infrastructure planning and delivery, with five

planning districts making up the City of Brimbank: Deer Park, Keilor, St Albans, Sunshine and Sydenham planning

districts. Profiles and strategic priorities for each planning district are covered in the following pages of this Community

Services and Infrastructure Plan. The planning districts are used for the City of Brimbank .id Community Profile for

demographic analysis.

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 13

Sydenham Planning

District

The Sydenham Planning District is a relatively recent residential

area with significant development starting in the 1970’s, with

substantial industrial and commercial areas. The Sydenham District

includes the suburbs of Calder Park, Delahey, Keilor Downs, Keilor

North and Sydenham, part of the suburb of Hillside, and parts of the

suburbs of Keilor Lodge and Taylors Lakes.

According to the 2018 Forecast iD data, the Sydenham Planning

District has 48,401 residents – 33.7% live in Taylors Lakes and

Calder Park, 21.8% in Keilor Downs, and 23.7% in Sydenham. One

third (32.5%) are aged 0 to 24 years, and 18.4% are aged 60 years

and over. By 2038, iD Forecast is projecting the district to have

51,295 residents, an increase of 6% from 2018.

The Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage (IRSD) indicates

that the level of disadvantage in the Sydenham District is (996.6).

This is the second highest level of advantage in the municipality.

Compared to Brimbank, the District has a lower proportion of

residents born overseas, and a lower proportion speaking a

language other than English at home. Just under one-fifth

(19.5%) of the Brimbank residents who identified as Aboriginal or

Torres Strait Islander live in the District. There are higher levels of

educational achievement, and a slightly higher proportion attending

an educational institution. A higher proportion of households have

access to the internet at home.

Compared to Brimbank, a lower proportion of the workforce is

unemployed. A lower proportion of the workforce is employed

in manufacturing, and a higher proportion are employed in retail,

transport, warehousing and postal, and the construction industries.

There are also higher levels of English language proficiency.

Compared to Brimbank, there are a higher proportion of home

owning households. Households tend to have a higher level of

income, and there are lower levels of housing stress. Household

composition is different, with a higher proportion of couples with

children, and lower proportions of lone parents and lone person

households. There are slightly lower proportions of residents with a

disability, and residents aged 60 years and over.

14 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

Sydenham District

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 15

Keilor Planning

District

The Keilor District has remained an area of mixed use, with

residential areas, industrial sites and pockets of semi-rural living. It

includes the suburbs of Keilor, Keilor Park, and parts of Keilor East,

Tullamarine, Keilor Lodge and Taylors Lakes.

According to the 2018 Forecast iD data, the Keilor Planning District

has 10,857 residents – over half the residents (56.5%) live in Keilor

and over one-quarter (26.3%) live in Keilor Park. Less than one

third (29.5%) are aged 0 to 24 years, and over one-quarter (27.5%)

are aged 60 years and over. By 2038, iD Forecast is projecting the

district to have 11,622 residents, an increase of 7% from 2018.

The Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage (IRSD) indicates

that the level of disadvantage in the Keilor District is (1,051.3). This

is the district with the highest level of advantage.

Compared to Brimbank, the Keilor Planning District has a lower

proportion of residents born overseas, and a lower proportion

speaking a language other than English at home. There are

higher levels of educational achievement, and a lower proportion

attending an educational institution. A higher proportion of

households have access to the internet at home.

Compared to Brimbank, a lower proportion of the workforce is

unemployed, and a lower proportion of the workforce is employed

in manufacturing. There are higher levels of English language

proficiency.

Compared to Brimbank, there are a higher proportion of home

owning households. Households tend to have a higher level of

income, and there are lower levels of housing stress. Household

composition is different, with a higher proportion of couples

without children, and a lower proportion of one parent family

households. There is a lower proportion of residents with a

disability, and a higher proportion of residents aged 60 years and

over.

16 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

Keilor District

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 17

St Albans Planning

District

The St. Albans Planning District is an established residential and

industrial area with the Sunshine Health, Wellbeing and Education

Precinct. The St Albans district is made up of the suburbs of Kings

Park, St Albans, and Kealba.

According to the 2018 Forecast iD data, the St Albans Planning

District has 53,140 residents – Over three-quarters (76.6%) live

in St Albans, 16.8% live in Kings Park, and 6.5% live in Kealba.

Just under one-third (31.9%) are aged 0 to 24 years, and 21.2%

are aged 60 years and over. By 2038, iD Forecast is projecting the

district to have 57,932 residents, an increase of 9% from 2018.

The Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage (IRSD) indicates

that the level of disadvantage in the St Albans District is (845.2).

This is the highest area of disadvantage in the municipality.

Compared to Brimbank, the District has a higher proportion of

residents born overseas, and a higher proportion speaking a

language other than English at home. Just over one-fifth of the

Brimbank residents who identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait

Islander live in the District. There are lower levels of educational

achievement, and a slightly lower proportion attending an

educational institution. A lower proportion of households have

access to the internet at home.

Compared to Brimbank, a higher proportion of the workforce

is unemployed, and a slightly higher proportion is employed in

manufacturing. There are also slightly lower levels of English

language proficiency.

Compared to Brimbank, there are a higher proportion of rental

households, including those in social housing. There is a higher

proportion of households with low incomes, and higher levels

of mortgage stress, but slightly lower levels of rental stress.

Household composition is different, with a lower proportion of

couples with children, and a higher proportion of lone parent

households. There is a higher proportion of residents with a

disability, and a higher proportion of residents aged 60 years and

over.

18 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

St Albans District

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 19

Deer Park Planning

District

The Deer Park Planning District is a residential and industrial

area which has experienced recent growth mainly in Cairnlea and

Derrimut. It includes the suburbs of Albanvale, Cairnlea, Deer Park

and Derrimut.

According to the 2018 Forecast iD data, the Deer Park Planning

District has 43,590 residents – 43.7% live in Deer Park, 23.2% in

Cairnlea, 19.9% in Derrimut, and 13.1% live in Albanvale. Over one

third (35.9%) are aged 0 to 24 years, and over one in 10 (14.0%)

is aged 60 years and over. By 2038, iD Forecast is projecting the

district to have 44,183 residents, an increase of 1.4% from 2018.

The Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage (IRSD)

indicates that the level of disadvantage in the Deer Park Planning

District is (942.8). This is the third highest area of disadvantage in

the municipality.

Compared to Brimbank, the Deer Park Planning District has a slightly

higher proportion of residents born overseas (47.9%), and a slightly

higher proportion speaking a language other than English at home

(60.8%) There are higher levels of educational achievement, and

a slightly higher proportion attending an educational institution.

A higher proportion of households have access to the internet at

home.

Compared to Brimbank, a slightly lower proportion of the workforce

is unemployed. A higher proportion of the workforce is employed

in manufacturing, and health care and social assistance. There are

also slightly higher levels of English language proficiency.

Compared to Brimbank, there are a lower proportion of home

owning households. Households tend to have slightly lower

levels of income, but there are lower levels of housing stress

(i.e. rental). Household composition is different, with a higher

proportion of couples with children, and a lower proportion of lone

person households. There is a lower proportion of residents with

a disability, and a lower proportion of residents aged 60 years and

over.

20 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

Deer Park District

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 21

Sunshine Planning

District

The Sunshine Planning District is an established residential and

industrial area, with substantial commercial areas including the

Sunshine National Employment and Innovation Cluster. It includes

the suburbs of Albion, Ardeer, Sunshine, Sunshine North, Sunshine

West, and part of Brooklyn.

According to the 2018 Forecast iD data, the Sunshine Planning

District has 51,584 residents – 38.8% live in Sunshine West, 24.4%

in Sunshine North, and 20.4% in Sunshine. Just under one-third

(30.8%) are aged 0 to 24 years, and one in five (19.8%) is aged

60 years and over. By 2038, iD Forecast is projecting the district to

have 63,730 residents, an increase of 23.5% from 2018.

The Index of Relative Socio-economic Disadvantage (IRSD) indicates

that the level of disadvantage in the Sunshine Planning District

is (880.4). This is the second highest area of disadvantage in the

municipality.

Compared to Brimbank, the Sunshine Planning District has a higher

proportion of residents born overseas, and a higher proportion

speaking a language other than English at home. Just over one

quarter of the Brimbank residents who identified as Aboriginal or

Torres Strait Islander live in the District. There are slightly lower

levels of educational achievement, and a slightly lower proportion

attending an educational institution. A lower proportion of

households have access to the internet at home.

Compared to Brimbank, a higher proportion of the workforce is

unemployed. A slightly higher proportion of the workforce is

employed in manufacturing, and health care and social assistance,

while a slightly lower proportion is employed in transport, postal

and warehousing. There are also lower levels of English language

proficiency.

Compared to Brimbank, there are a lower proportion of home

owning households. Households tend to have a lower level of

income, but slightly lower levels of housing stress. Household

composition is different, with a lower proportion of couples with

children, and a higher proportion of lone person households. There

are slightly higher proportions of residents with a disability, and

residents aged 60 years and over.

22 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

Sunshine District

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 23

5. Service Summary

A summary of the service purpose, key statistics and demand assessment as well as a map showing current facility

locations for each of the services assessed, is included in this section.

Each demand assessment summary reveals the key findings from service facility supply audits, community needs

analysis based on the provisional standards and associated criteria outlined in the ‘Background’ section of this draft

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan.

4 Year Old Kindergarten

Whats your big idea for Brimbank Stakeholder Consultation

Kindergarten refers to State funded kindergarten programs run for eligible 4-year-old children at licensed children

service centres. There are two ways that kindergartens are offered in Brimbank:

• Standalone Kindergartens - these offer kindergarten services only. Council and not for profit groups offer standalone

kindergartens.

• Integrated Children’s Centres – these offer kindergarten programs and childcare together so children remain in

the Centre with educators for the full day. The private sector offers the majority of integrated education and care

services with Council having five sites that offer integrated services.

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 25

Quantity

Over Supplied

Quality

Generally Fit For Purpose

Catchment

Meets Catchment

Standard

Utilisation

Under Usage Target

Asset Condition

Average

Council Buildings

38

Private Children’s Centres offering

kindergarten

35

2017 Enrolments (Council and private)

2,793

Overall Licensed Capacity (Council

and private)

3,866

Council Owned Buildings are at Least

40 Years Old

51%

A total of 73 children’s services centres provide

kindergarten programs in Brimbank: 33 Council owned

stand-alone kindergartens; five (5) Council owned and

integrated children’s services centres; and 35 privately

owned children’s services centres. A total of 73% of

Brimbank residents aged 0-4 years attend a Council

owned kindergarten while 27% attend a private

integrated childcare centre for kindergarten.

The Service operates in accordance with two quantity

targets:

• 100% participation of the 4 year old population;

• 80% of maximum kindergarten capacity will be

considered “full capacity” to allow for new arrivals to

enrol locally.

The 2018 combined licensed capacity figure of Council

and private kindergarten facilities in Brimbank (based

on 80% maximum kindergarten capacity) total 3,045

licensed places. There are 2,697 4 year olds living in

Brimbank in 2018. There is excess capacity or oversupply

of 348 licensed places in 2018. This will be an ongoing

trend to 2038, particularly in the Keilor and Sydenham

planning districts.

Overall Council kindergartens operating in the Sunshine

and Deer Park Planning districts were operating at full

capacity (85% and 82%, respectively). Kindergartens

operating in the St Albans and Keilor planning districts

recorded reasonable levels of utilisation (71% and 68%,

respectively). Kindergarten utilisation in the Sydenham

planning district recorded the lowest percentage at 58%,

with seven of the eight Council owned kindergartens

operating at a range of 22% to 54% of capacity.

While growth in the 4 year old age group in the St Albans

planning district indicates that facility utilisation will be

close to the 80% capacity target, Deer Park and Sunshine

planning districts will have a moderate undersupply in

2038 of 66 and 87 licensed places, respectively.

Overall privately run kindergartens across Brimbank are

operating at 73% of their capacity.

Kindergartens are all rated either good or average

condition. Kindergartens have the highest percentage

(43%) of community facilities that are rated average

condition. Sixteen of the kindergartens are classified as

average and 21 are classified as good.

26 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

New Kindergarten Rooms

1. Alexandra

Avenue

Children’s Centre

Sunshine

Planning

District

Short term –

In progress

• 66 licensed place kindergarten to be operational in 2019.

2. St Albans

Leisure Centre

Replacement

Sydenham

Planning

District

Short term -

In progress

Council investigate partnering with a provider for children’s

services as part of a replaced St Albans Leisure Centre.

3. Deer Park West

Kindergarten

Deer Park

Planning

District

Short term • 66 licensed place kindergarten

• Multipurpose playgroup room.

As part of the development of Deer Park West Kindergarten

consider nearby facilities with low utilisation/ poor quality for

rationalisation subject to future community consultation and

assessment.

4. Albanvale

Children’s Centre

Deer Park

Planning

District

Short term • 66 licensed place kindergarten

• Playgroup room will provide multipurpose community

space.

• 2 Maternal and Child Health (MCH) offices

• Possible sports pavilion and change rooms as identified in

the Sports Facility Development Plan 2018.

5. West Sunshine

Children’s Centre

Sunshine

Planning

District

Medium term • Site to be investigated for either the West Sunshine

Community Centre or at the Glengala Primary School with

the Department of Education and Training

• 66 licensed place kindergarten

• 2 MCH offices.

As part of the development of the West Sunshine Children’s

Centre consider nearby facilities with low utilisation/ poor

quality for rationalisation subject to future community

consultation and further assessment.

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 27

Consolidation of Community Facilities

The consolidation of community facilities aligns with the draft Community Services and Infrastructure Major Policy -

Principle of Sustainability: Ensuring integrated, maximum and efficient use of community facilities.

1. Furlong Road

Children’s and

Community

Centre

Sunshine

Planning

District

Medium term Consolidate the Dorothy Carlton Kindergarten, Romsey Villa

PAG Centre and Thomas Hall into community hub with:

• 66 licensed place kindergarten

• 2 MCH offices

• District community hall that facilitates a playgroup

• Onsite parking.

2. Dempster Park

Children’s and

Community

Centre

Sunshine

Planning

District

Medium term Consolidate the North Sunshine Kindergarten, Phoenix

Street Children’s Centre, Dempster Park Community Hall and

possibly Scout Hall into the Dempster Park Children’s and

Community Centre with:

• 66 licensed place kindergarten

• Municipal level community hall

• Possibly include local or district performing arts facility

• The existing long day care component will be investigated

as part of the Early Years Review.

Further Investigation Required

1.

A number of Kindergartens were identified through the audits as having low utilisation/ poor quality facilities.

Further investigation is required to determine the future need of these sites in light of the development of new

integrated community facilities to meet future demand.

2. St Albans

Children’s Centre

St Albans

Planning

District

Short term Further investigation is required to identify a site in the St

Albans planning district that would be suitable for a Children’s

Hub that would include a 66 licensed place kindergarten,

multipurpose playgroup room and 2 MCH offices.

28 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

Additional Recommendations

1. Commit to investing in vibrant new and refurbishing existing kindergartens to be welcoming, contemporary and

compliant with Education and Care Services National Regulations 2011 requirements and Brimbank Kindergarten

Facility Standards.

2. Following a service review of kindergarten, long day care and playgroups:

• Consider early years service facility models, integrated uses in light of government capital funding

requirements and private sector market share. Identify how Council can evolve the current facility offering to

meet the needs of the Brimbank community now and into the future.

• Investigate the future need and facility models of the low use / poor quality kindergarten, playgroup and long

day care facility sites in light of the development of new integrated community facilities.

3. Lessees of Council owned stand-alone kindergartens and integrated children’s centres are supported to increase

the utilisation of these facilities to achieve the capacity target of 80% use and 100% participation of the 4 year

old population in each planning district.

4. Prioritise kindergartens with an ‘unfit for purpose’ or ‘attention required’ rating for short term investment in minor

works that ensure these kindergartens meet National Quality Framework regulatory requirements and are fit for

purpose.

5. Prioritise major investment into integrated community hubs as opposed to stand alone kindergartens.

6. Investigate the options to partner with children’s service providers when developing new sites or redeveloping

existing facilities.

7. Review existing reporting options and where required develop robust electronic reporting system/s to capture

data that measures the use of services. This reporting system will generate reports (i.e. occupancy, attendance

etc.) across varied time periods (i.e. weekly, monthly etc.) and will be used to drive continuous improvement.

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 29

Brimbank City Council is aspiring to meet an utilisation

target based on an artsindustry standard of 35%

occupancy.

Council Buildings

6

Council Arts Facilities offered

20

Annual Visits

13,550

Council Owned Buildings are at

Least 40 Years Old

33%

Arts facilities in Brimbank include two performing arts

centres (one privately owned); five art galleries (one

private); fourteen artist studios (four privately owned);

and five arts-focussed rooms.

Quantity

Meets Quantity Target

Quality

Generally Fit For Purpose

Catchment

Meets Catchment Standard

Utilisation

Under Usage Target

Asset Condition

Excellent

Arts and Culture

Community Vision 2040 consultation

As one of Melbourne’s most culturally diverse communities, Brimbank has a wide range of cultural traditions and

arts practice including dance, music and visual arts. A range of buildings and outdoor areas are provided to increase

Brimbank community participation in arts and cultural activities; and grow local creative enterprise by supporting the

development of artists and arts organisations.

Overall artist studios are used 25% of their operational

capacity; art rooms – 24%; and performing arts at the St

Albans Community Centre (STACC) ‘Bowery Theatre’ – an

average of 26% over a ten month period in 2017. As the

STACC is in its establishment phase it can be presumed

that the utilisation percentage will increase as public

awareness of the new facilities grows.

30 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

1. Following a service review, undertake a facility study to determine:

• Gaps in arts service provision.

• Location, size and components of identified facility gaps.

• Future use of Council owned community facilities as a local or district level performing arts facility.

The facility study will ensure that all arts facilities are multipurpose and accessible to the community when not used

for arts.

2. Continue to invest and refresh the Hunt Club Community and Arts Centre to ensure the facility continues to meet the

needs of artists and visitors.

3. Develop an integrated on-line booking system for space available for hire in Council owned community centres, hubs

and halls. This will include standardised hire fees and charges, as well as terms and conditions. The on-line booking

system will include improved reporting.

4. Review existing reporting options and where required develop robust electronic reporting system/s to capture data

that measures the use of services. This reporting system will generate reports (i.e. occupancy, attendance etc.)

across varied time periods (i.e. weekly, monthly etc.) and will be used to drive continuous improvement.

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 31

Bicycle Education Facilities

Community Plan 2040 Consultation

Brimbank currently has one bicycle education facility, the Brimbank Bicycle Education Centre, which is located on a two

acre site in Green Gully Reserve, Keilor Downs. The Brimbank Bicycle Education Centre Incorporated has leased the

facilities for the past 25 years.

The aim is to provide safe, secure indoor and outdoor facilities for use by the Brimbank community for the purpose of

educating children, youth and adults on how to ride a bicycle, safely navigate terrain and abide by road traffic laws.

Bicycle education

excursion programs

for pre-schools and

primary schools

Approximately 1,200

students in 2016/17

Catering for special

needs groups

20 attendees each

Tuesday and Thursday

Guests/Visitors

Average of 180 children/

adults per weekend

Quantity

Meets Quantity Target

Quality

Generally Fit For Purpose

Catchment

Meets Catchment

Standard

Utilisation

Meets Usage Target

Asset Condition

Good

1. No new cycling education centres are recommended in Brimbank in the short, medium and long term.

2. Council will work in partnership with the Brimbank Bicycle Education Centre Incorporated Committee of Management

to:

• increase use of facilities.

• ensure the facility continues to be fit for purpose.

• support the volunteers in building their knowledge of Council's roles and legislative responsibilities and relevant

policies and processes.

32 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

Community Halls and Meeting

Spaces

Community Vision 2040 consultation

The Community Halls and Meeting Space Service provides a diverse and affordable range of facilities that offer all

members of the community the opportunity for participation in community life and a safe place for social interaction.

Council Buildings

20

Dedicated Council Community Halls and

Meeting Spaces Offered

32

Annual Visits

475,750

Council Owned Buildings are at

Least 40 Years Old

35%

Community halls and meeting spaces are grouped under

three operational classifications:

-

This classification covers the primary

operational function or purpose of community

halls and meeting spaces for use by the Brimbank

community. These primary facilities are owned and

operated by Council. There are

20 facility locations

that offer a total of

32 primary

halls and meeting

spaces.

-

If a facility is not being used for its

primary purpose, i.e. neighbourhood house, sports

pavilion, youth facility etc., the room/s can be used

as multipurpose community meeting space. This

is deemed a secondary purpose use. There are

27

facility locations

that offer a total of

75 secondary

community halls and meeting spaces.

-

These are community halls and meeting

spaces that are managed and owned by private

organisations and easily accessible by the Brimbank

community. Supply of these facilities by the private

sector needs to be taken into account in determining

if local demand is being met, and to avoid unnecessary

duplication and competition via Council provision

of halls and meeting spaces. There are

8 facility

locations

that offer

16 private

community halls and

meeting spaces.

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 33

Brimbank also applies three hierarchies, based on maximum room capacity, for community halls and meeting spaces:

community halls and meeting spaces are for up to 30 people. In total there are 56 local rooms (Council and

private).

community halls and meeting spaces are for 31-120 people. In total there are 49 district rooms (Council and

private).

community halls and meeting spaces are for 121+ people. In total there are 18 municipal rooms (Council

and private).

Quantity

Oversupplied / Undersupplied

Quality

Generally Fit For Purpose

Catchment

Does Not Meet Catchment

Standard

Utilisation

Meets Peak Usage Target

Asset Condition

Good

The quantity provision target for local, district and municipal halls and meeting spaces ranges from the supply of 1

facility per 15,000 to 30,000 residents. Overall, there is an oversupply of 1.2 facilities in 2018; however by 2038 there is

a projected undersupply of 2.1 facilities as shown in the table below:

Community Hall & Meeting Space

Quantity Provision 2018

Quantity Provision 2038

Local

Oversupply (0.2)

Undersupply (-0.6)

District

Oversupply (2.3)

Oversupply (0.7)

Municipal

Undersupply (-1.3)

Undersupply (-2.4)

Overall - Brimbank

Oversupply (1.2)

Undersupply (-2.1)

An assessment of quantity provision by planning district revealed the following:

community halls and meeting spaces (up to 30 people): Oversupply in Keilor and St Albans planning districts.

Undersupply in Sydenham planning district.

community halls and meeting spaces (31 to 120 people): Oversupply in Keilor planning district. Undersupply

in Deer Park and Sunshine planning districts.

community halls and meeting spaces (121+ people): Oversupply in St Albans planning district.

Undersupply in Sunshine and Sydenham planning districts.

The catchment standard is for 95% of residents to be within 2 kilometres of a local, district or municipal community hall

and meeting space. Residents in Derrimut do not have access to a local meeting space. The closest facility is the Hunt

Club Community and Arts Centre, which can be up to 3.4 kilometres away.

Residents in Sydenham and Taylors Lakes, do not have access to a municipal meeting space. The closest facility is the

Keilor Downs Community Centre, which can be up to 6.4 kilometres away.

34 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

1. Plan to create new community hubs at existing community hall sites:

Albanvale

Children’s and

Community

Centre

Deer Park

Planning

District

Short

term

• 66 licensed place kindergarten

• Multipurpose playgroup room

• 2 Maternal and Child Health (MCH) offices

• Possible sports pavilion and change rooms as identified in

the Sports Facility Development Plan 2018.

Dempster Park

Children’s and

Community

Centre

Sunshine

Planning

District

Medium

term

Consolidate the North Sunshine Kindergarten, Phoenix Street

Children’s Centre, Dempster Park Community Hall and possibly

Scout Hall into the Dempster Park Children’s and Community

Centre with:

• 66 licensed place kindergarten

• Municipal level community hall

• Possibly include the existing Scout Hall as part of

the consolidation and the inclusion of local or district

performing arts.

Furlong Road

Children’s and

Community

Centre

Sunshine

Planning

District

Medium

term

Consolidate the Dorothy Carlton Kindergarten, Romsey Villa

PAG Centre and Thomas Hall into community hub with.

• 66 licensed place kindergarten

• 2 MCH offices

• District community hall that facilitates a playgroup

• Onsite parking.

2. Invest in creating vibrant community halls and meeting space facilities with welcoming and contemporary internal

and external upgrades.

3. In response to identified gaps in the location of Community Halls, investigate:

• planning for one district community hall in the Deer Park Planning District

• planning for one district and two municipal community halls in the Sunshine Planning District

• planning for one municipal community hall in the Sydenham Planning District

• solutions for the oversupply of district level halls in the Keilor planning district and the potential to repurpose

sites to address other community requirements i.e. provision of Arts facility.

• future requirement for John McLeod Hall (old) due to its low use and poor condition.

4. Undertake targeted promotion, monitoring and tracking of community halls and meeting spaces with a focus on

those that are underutilised.

5. Commit to building new halls as identified and refurbishing existing halls that meet the building standards as

described in Section 6.3 – Building Standards in the Demand Assessment report.

6. Develop an integrated on-line booking system for space available for hire in Council owned community centres,

hubs and halls. This will include standardised hire fees and charges, as well as terms and conditions. The on-line

booking system will include improved reporting.

7. Review existing reporting options and where required develop robust electronic reporting system/s to capture

data that measures the use of services. This reporting system will generate reports (i.e. occupancy, attendance

etc.) across varied time periods (i.e. weekly, monthly etc.) and will be used to drive continuous improvement.

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 35

Guides and Scout Halls

Many Guide / Scout Halls are available for hire to the public. They are a popular choice for reasonable sized community

events, meetings, dance and fitness groups, martial arts classes, private gatherings and celebrations.

Guide / Scout Halls are often in ideal, easily accessible locations within suburbs, near parks and other recreational

reserves, with functional basic amenities including kitchens and restrooms.

While being an affordable venue option, the hire fees also assist Guide / Scout Groups to meet program costs and hall

and ground maintenance expenses.

Guide / Scout Halls

9

Council owned buildings at least

40 years old

55%

Annual visits

35,760

Quantity

Meets Target

Catchment

Meets Target

Utilisation

Under Useage Target

Asset Condition

Average

Guide / Scout Halls are rated average condition with one

Guide / Scout Hall rated in poor condition. The Guide /

Scout Halls have the highest percentage of sites that are

rated at least average.

Overall Guide / Scout halls are used 20% of available

hours. There is capacity to accommodate additional use.

Council, Guides Victoria and Scouts Victoria to work in partnership to determine the optimal facility model to maximise

guide and scout participation in Brimbank.

36 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

Housing of Local History and

Heritage Artefacts

Community Vision 2040 consultation

The Housing of Local History and Heritage Artefacts aims to provide support and assistance to Brimbank historical

associations in the preservation of local history and heritage. There are two significant historical sites and four other

Council owned facilities used for the housing of heritage and historical artefacts. Council’s five libraries also provide the

community with access to physical and electronic resources on the history of Brimbank.

Work in partnership with the Brimbank Historical

Societies volunteers to :

• support the management and preservation of

Brimbank's significant historical sites, buildings and

artefacts.

• ensure the facilities continue to be fit for purpose.

• support the volunteers in building their knowledge

of Council’s roles and legislative responsibilities and

relevant policies and processes.

Quantity

Meets Quantity Target

Quality

Generally Fit For Purpose

Catchment

Meets Catchment

Standard

Utilisation

Meets Use Target

Asset Condition

Good

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 37

Library Services

Community Vision 2040 consultation

The Library Service provides the community with access to library collections, facilities and programs through five

libraries in Deer Park, Keilor, St Albans, Sunshine and Sydenham, as well as an online library. A home library service

delivers library resources to residents who cannot visit the library due to illness, frailty or disability.

Outreach programs are also delivered in Brimbank’s parks, shopping centres, community centres and street corners

where library staff deliver Storytime, demonstrate online learning resources, consult with the community and promote

reading as an important life skill. Libraries also facilitate funding to the local historical societies to preserve and promote

Brimbank’s history.

Council Buildings

5

Annual Library Visits

1,310,805

Total Library Membership

77,071

Total Library Loans

975,897

Council Owned Buildings are at

Least 40 Years Old

0%

Quantity

Undersupply

Quality

Generally Fit For Purpose

Catchment

Does Not Meet

Catchment Standard

Utilisation

Meets Usage Target

Asset Condition

Good

38 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

Brimbank City Council is aspiring to meet a quantity target of 25m

2

of library public floor space for every 1,000 residents.

An assessment of future facility requirements based on building size reveals that there is a current municipal

undersupply of 105m

2

of library space and based on a Population Projection of 228,761 people in 2038, Council will

continue to have an undersupply of 609m

2

in 2038. There are current and projected future undersupplies of library

floor space in the following planning districts:

• Deer Park planning district: 66m

2

(2018) to 136m

2

(2038).

• St Albans planning district: 816m

2

(2018) to 935m

2

(2038).

• Sydenham planning district: 162m

2

(2018) to 234m

2

(2038).

Residents in the Sydenham, Keilor and St Albans planning districts meet the catchment standard of 95% of residents to be

within 3 km of a library. However, residents in Derrimut, West Sunshine and Ardeer, can be up to 6.9 km from their closest library.

1. Complete a feasibility study focusing on the library network. The study will focus on four key locations:

1. St Albans Library Redevelopment

The St Albans Library building floor area does not meet the current quantity target. Projected population growth

will result in the building floor area being unable to adequately accommodate service users. The feasibility study

will determine the best location, building size and components required for the expansion or relocation of the St

Albans Library.

2. Deer Park Library Redevelopment

The Deer Park Library building floor area does not meet the current quantity target. Projected population growth

will result in the building floor area being unable to adequately accommodate service users. The feasibility study

will determine the best location, building size and components required for the expansion or relocation of the

Deer Park Library.

3. Potential library for the Derrimut, West Sunshine, Ardeer catchment.

The feasibility study will determine if a library is required to service residents in Derrimut, West Sunshine and

Ardeer catchment. If a library is required, key items to address are location, building size and components. If the

study identifies that a further library is not required, potential opportunities to deliver library services through

other community facilities in this area will be explored.

4. Possible Sydenham Library Relocation

The feasibility study will determine if the existing Sydenham Library is to be relocated, the best location, building

size and components. This project will be informed by the Sydenham Community Hub Relocation project.

Each project will identify potential co-location of community services.

2. Undertake works to redevelop the St Albans Library as informed by the Feasibility Study.

3. Undertake works to redevelop the Deer Park Library as informed by the Feasibility Study.

4. Subject to the findings of the Feasibility Study, undertake works to provide a library service to residents in Derrimut,

West Sunshine and Ardeer.

5. Prioritise short term investment in the libraries with an “unfit for purpose” or “attention required” rating and key

items as identified to ensure that all libraries are fit for purpose.

6. Investigate opening high demand libraries for longer hours to meet community demand.

7. Investigate options with owners of Watergardens Shopping Centre to relocate the Sydenham Library as part of a

wider community hub.

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 39

Long Day Care

Community Vision 2040 consultation

Council owns eight buildings which are leased by private providers to deliver long day care services in the municipality.

Council does not directly deliver Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) Services.

Quantity

Oversupply Of Facilities

Quality

Generally Fit For Purpose

Catchment

Meets Catchment

Standard

Utilisation

Under Usage Target

Asset Condition

Good

Council Long Day Care Centres

8

Private Children’s Centres

35

2017 Enrolments (Council and private)

2,401

Overall Capacity (Council and private)

3,166

Council Owned Buildings are at

Least 40 Years Old

25%

The combined licensed capacity of the eight (8) Council

and 35 privately owned long day care facilities in

Brimbank in 2018 is a total of 3,166 licensed places.

Actual 2018 enrolments are 2,401 children aged 0-6

years.

The demand assessment for this service revealed that

excess capacity of 765 licensed places in 2018 will be

an ongoing trend in all planning districts, with an overall

estimated excess capacity of 693 licensed places in 2038.

The highest overall occupancy occurred in the Deer Park

(85%) and St Albans (81%) planning districts; while the

lowest were Sunshine (69%) and Keilor (70%), closely

followed by Sydenham (72%). There is excess capacity in

all long day care centres in all planning districts.

40 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

1. Investigate partnering with a provider for children's services as part of the St Albans Leisure Centre replacement.

2. Investigate options to partner with not for profit and private children’s service providers when developing new sites

or redeveloping existing facilities.

3. Following a service review of kindergarten, long day care and playgroups:

• Consider early years service facility models, integrated uses in light of government capital funding requirements

and private sector market share. Identify how Council can evolve the current facility offering to meet the needs of

the Brimbank community now and into the future.

• Investigate the future need and facility models of the low use / poor quality kindergarten, playgroup and long day

care facility sites in light of the development of new integrated community facilities.

• Undertake a competitive neutrality test of Council owned long day care services to ensure compliance with the

National Competition Policy.

4. Prioritise short term investment in the long day care centres with an “unfit for purpose” or “attention required” rating

and key items as identified to ensure that all long day care centres are fit for purpose.

5. Review existing reporting options and where required develop robust electronic reporting system/s to capture data

that measures the use of services. This reporting system will generate reports (i.e. occupancy, attendance etc.)

across varied time periods (i.e. weekly, monthly etc.) and will be used to drive continuous improvement.

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 41

Maternal and Child Health

Community Vision 2040 consultation

The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Service is a free universal service offered to the family of each baby born and living

in Victoria. The MCH service is comprised of two major components:

• Universal Service for all families with children aged 0 - 6years: This provides ten key age stage consultations from

birth to 3.5 years including an initial home visit and consultations at two, four and eight weeks, four months, eight

months, 12 months, 18 months, two years and 3.5 years of age for all children and their families; and

• Enhanced Home Visit Service for children and families at risk of poor health and wellbeing outcomes, targeting

children for whom there are multiple risk factors or indication of significant levels of risk.

Council Buildings Used

8

MCH Offices

25

Business Hours Use

82%

Annual Consultations

24,574

Council Owned Buildings are at

Least 40 Years Old

14%

Quantity

Under Supplied

Quality

Generally Fit For Purpose

Catchment

Does Not Meet

Catchment Standard

Utilisation

Meets Usage Target

Asset Condition

Good

42 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

Council is aspiring to meet a quantity target of one dual office per 1,500 children aged 0-6 years old. Based on this

target, there is a current undersupply of 1.1 Maternal and Child Health (MCH) offices in the municipality. By 2038

Brimbank will continue to have a slight undersupply of 2.5 MCH offices.

The Sydenham planning district has excess supply of 4.1 MCH offices in 2018 and projected excess of 3.8 MCH offices in

2038. The other planning districts have supply gaps:

• Deer Park planning district: -3.1 in 2018; -2.1 in 2038.

• Keilor planning district: -1.1 in 2018; -1.0 in 2038.

• St Albans planning district: -0.5 in 2018; -1.5 in 2038.

• Sunshine planning district: -0.5 in 2018; -1.8 in 2038.

A catchment standard of 95% of residents to within 2.5 km of a MCH office has been applied in the Service. The St

Albans, Sunshine and Sydenham planning districts meet this catchment standard. However residents in the Deer Park

and Keilor planning districts can be up to 4.8 km from their nearest MCH office, which is almost double the catchment

standard. Close access to MCH services is critical to attend important early years appointments, most particularly in

areas of high disadvantage.

1. Two new Maternal and Child Health (MCH) offices will be required in the short term at the Albanvale Children’s and

Community Hub. This is to meet current shortfall of MCH provision in the Deer Park planning district and to open up

future use at the St Albans MCH sites to accommodate population growth.

2. Two new MCH offices will be required in the medium term at Furlong Road Children’s and Community Centre to meet

the needs of a growing population in the Sunshine planning district.

3. Two new MCH offices will be required in the medium term at West Sunshine Children’s and Community Centre to

meet the needs of a growing population in the Sunshine planning district.

4. Residents in the Keilor planning district to continue to use the Keilor Downs MCH offices. If an office was determined

to be required consider previous MCH office at Keilor Park Kindergarten.

5. No additional MCH offices are required in the Sydenham planning district.

6. All sites are fit for purpose. Investment required for minor works upgrades with storage a major issue. Council to

invest in creating vibrant MCH facilities with welcoming and contemporary internal and external upgrades.

7. Investigate options for the feasibility and cost of weekend MCH office visits during peak periods.

8. Pilot the development of dual purpose MCH / Youth Counselling offices. MCH will be the primary user and Youth

secondary user. Youth to use the office after hours and on weekends. Site to be confirmed.

9. Review existing reporting options and where required develop robust electronic reporting system/s to capture data

that measures the use of services. This reporting system will generate reports (i.e. occupancy, attendance etc.)

across varied time periods (i.e. weekly, monthly etc.) and will be used to drive continuous improvement.

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 43

Neighbourhood Houses

Community Vision 2040 consultation

2018/19 Budget consultation

Neighbourhood houses provide community strengthening activities and programs that meet the needs and aspirations

of local communities. They bring people together to connect, learn and contribute in the local community.

Each Neighbourhood House has a community advisory committee that it consults with and receives community

feedback about programs, activities and services. Volunteering opportunities for local community members are

available at each house and are an important way of building skills including leadership skills, reducing social isolation

and improving community wellbeing.

Delivery of programs and services is offered through a range of partnerships with local organisations, schools and

community groups. Rooms for casual or regular hire are available.

The Brimbank Neighbourhood Houses Strategic Partnership Agreement between Council’s six neighbourhood

Houses and the five community managed neighbourhood houses articulates a statement of shared values, vision and

commitment to working in partnership. Lifelong learning and removing barriers to participation are key directions for

the neighbourhood houses network in Brimbank.

Council Buildings Used

9

Annual Programs Offered

8,225

Annual Visits to

Neighbourhood Houses

396,800

Council Owned Buildings are at

Least 40 Years Old

27%

Eleven Neighbourhood Houses operate across the

municipality:

• Three are standalone Council facilities.

• Three are in Council integrated community hubs.

• Three are in Council owned buildings, community

managed with Council leases and supported through

annual grants.

• Two independently owned and managed

Neighbourhood Houses.

In addition to the 11 Neighbourhood Houses in the

municipality, Council offers Neighbourhood House

programs in the Keilor Community Hub multipurpose

rooms.

44 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

While the majority of Neighbourhood Houses were

generally rated fit for purpose, two sites were rated unfit

for purpose because they did not meet standards for

access and mobility: Duke Street Community House in

Sunshine, and Cairnlea Community Hub in the Deer Park

planning district.

Quantity

Meets Quantity Target

Quality

Generally Fit For Purpose

Catchment

Does Not Meet Catchment

Standard

Utilisation

Under Usage Target

Asset Condition

Good

A catchment standard of 95% of residents to be within

3 km of a Neighbourhood House has been applied in

this service. The Deer Park, St Albans and Sunshine

planning districts meet the catchment standard. However

residents in the Keilor planning district can be up to 5

km away from a Neighbourhood House. Council has

recognised this and offered Neighbourhood House

programs from multi-purpose community program rooms

in the Keilor Community Hub, which was opened in 2017.

While 95% of residents in the Sunshine and Sydenham

planning districts are within 3 km of a Neighbourhood

House, residents living in parts of North Sunshine and Keilor

Downs can be up to to 4.2 km from their closest facility.

Neighbourhood Houses meet service targets during

business hours (40%), but are underutilised outside of

business hours (23%).

1. Invest in creating vibrant Neighbourhood House facilities with adequate spaces for mixed activities, functional acoustics and

welcoming and contemporary internal and external upgrades.

2. Following a service review, Council to complete a feasibility study focusing on the Neighbourhood House network, with a

specific focus on the future of the Cairnlea Community Hub and the Duke Street Community House.

3. Prioritise short term investment in the Neighbourhood Houses with an “unfit for purpose” or “attention required” rating and

key items as identified to ensure that all Neighbourhood Houses are fit for purpose.

4. Investigate options with owners of Watergardens Shopping Centre to relocate the Sydenham Neighbourhood House to a

ground floor facility. Consider as part of a wider community hub.

5. Continue offering Neighbourhood House programs at the Keilor Community Hub for the local Keilor community. Investigate

options to offer additional programming at non-traditional Neighbourhood House locations such as libraries, leisure centres,

community halls and meeting spaces, youth centres and open space throughout the municipality.

6. Focus on increasing Neighbourhood House use outside of business hours and consider different management models with

outside business hours staffing.

7. Where evening Neighbourhood House programs are offered, Council to investigate options for providing car park lighting to

enable and encourage additional safe evening use.

8. Continue to have funding agreements with the independent Neighbourhood Houses that provide valuable additional

programming opportunities for the Brimbank community.

9. Develop an integrated on-line booking system for space available for hire in Council owned community centres, hubs and

halls. This will include standardised hire fees and charges, as well as terms and conditions. The on-line booking system will

include improved reporting.

10.Review existing reporting options and where required develop robust electronic reporting system/s to capture data that

measures the use of services. This reporting system will generate reports (i.e. occupancy, attendance etc.) across varied time

periods (i.e. weekly, monthly etc.) and will be used to drive continuous improvement.

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 45

Planned Activity Group (PAG)

Community Vision 2040 consultation

Council is funded through State and Commonwealth programs to provide Planned Activity Groups (PAG), which provide

centre-based programs/social support for the frail aged, older people with disabilities and people with dementia. This

service aims to enhance the physical, social and emotional well-being and independence of older people and people

with disabilities, their carers and others by delivering planned activity sessions tailored to meet specific group and

individual needs.

Council Buildings Used

8

Annual Program Hours Delivered

38,404

Annual PAG Attendees

296

Council Owned Buildings are at

Least 40 Years Old

14%

Quantity

Meets Quantity Target

Quality

Generally Fit For Purpose

Catchment

Does Not Meet Catchment

Standard

Utilisation

Meets Usage Target

Asset Condition

Good

The Planned Activity Group (PAG) Service has applied a

3km catchment standard, whereby PAG participants of

frail aged and dementia specific programs are within 3 km

of a PAG facility. While PAG participants are mostly picked

up from their homes and returned via Council buses, an

even spread of facilities across the municipality ensures

that participants are not on the bus for long periods of time.

The Sydenham planning district does not have any PAG

facilities and yet has the highest projected growth in

residents aged 65+ from 2018 to 2038. The Sydenham

planning district also has a gap in catchment coverage in

the north, north-west area of the district with the closest

PAG facility currently at the Kealba Community Centre

in the St Albans planning district. Likewise residents in

Ardeer and parts of West Sunshine are outside the 3 km

catchment.

46 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

1. Recommend a new purpose built Planned Activity Group (PAG) room is constructed at the former Keilor Village

Library site in the short term.

2. Consider the future need of Romsey Villa when the former Keilor Village Library site opens as a purpose built PAG

room. The Romsey Villa site, with Thomas Hall and Dorothy Carlton Kindergarten sites are combined to create the

new Furlong Road Children’s and Community Centre.

3. Future growth of PAG programs are to be accommodated in multipurpose community facilities that are fit for

purpose.

4. Prioritise short term investment in the Sunshine Meeting Space with an ‘attention required’ rating, and key items as

identified, to ensure that the facility is fit for purpose.

5. Recommend investigation into the use of multipurpose community meeting spaces in the Sydenham planning

district in the short to medium term. Any future growth of PAG programs are to be accommodated into multipurpose

community facilities that are fit for purpose.

6. Review existing reporting options and where required develop robust electronic reporting system/s to capture data

that measures the use of services. This reporting system will generate reports (i.e. occupancy, attendance etc.)

across varied time periods (i.e. weekly, monthly etc.) and will be used to drive continuous improvement.

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 47

Playgroup

Community Vision 2040 consultation

2018/19 Budget consultation

The aims of the Brimbank Playgroup Service are to:

• Improve the learning, development and wellbeing outcomes of disadvantaged children through improved parent

child interaction in the early home learning environment.

• Help parents develop their parenting skills and confidence to support their children’s learning and development.

• Support families to transition into other community supports such as community playgroups or to more intensive

early childhood or specialist services.

Playgroups are inclusive of all, creating an open, welcoming and friendly environment for all children and their families, no

matter their circumstances, backgrounds or cultural identity. Community Playgroup support and facilitation is funded by

Council.

Supported Playgroup (Smalltalk) involves planned interactions between the primary parent and child from birth to the

start of formal schooling. Program participants are families considered vulnerable. Brimbank City Council is funded

by the Department of Education and Training (DET) to deliver the Supported Playgroup program from suitable child

friendly buildings.

Quantity

Under Supplied

Quality

Generally Fit For Purpose

Catchment

Meets Catchment

Standard

Utilisation

Meets Usage Target

Asset Condition

Good

Council Buildings Used

13

Annual Number of Sessions

1,596

Council Owned Buildings are at

Least 40 Years Old

46%

48 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

Brimbank City council is aspiring to meet the following quantity target when proposing current and future Playgroup

Service provision: One (1) playgroup facility per 1,000 residents aged 0-4 years old by planning district.

Based on this quantity target and current playgroup facility supply in each of the planning districts, there is an overall

undersupply of 1.2 playgroup facilities in 2018, which increases to an undersupply of 1.7 playgroup facilities in 2038.

The greatest undersupply is in the St Albans planning district (from -1.5 in 2018, increasing to -1.9 in 2038); followed by

the Sunshine planning district (-0.6 in 2018, to -1.3 in 2038).

This is currently an oversupply of playgroup facilities in the Deer Park, Keilor and Sydenham planning districts totalling

0.9 in 2018. Based on population projections, there will continue to be an oversupply in these planning districts of 1.5

playgroup facilities in 2038.

New Playgroup Rooms

1. Deer Park West

Kindergarten

Deer Park

Planning District

Short

term

• 66 licensed place kindergarten

• Playgroup room will provide multipurpose space

Consolidation of Community Facilities

2. a) Albanvale

Children’s

Centre

Deer Park

Planning District

Short

term

• 66 licensed place kindergarten

• Playgroup room will provide multipurpose space

• 2 maternal and child health (MCH) offices

• Possible sports pavilion and change rooms as identified in

the Sports Facility Development Plan 2018.

b) Furlong Road

Children’s and

Community

Centre

Sunshine

Planning District

Medium

term

Consolidate the Dorothy Carlton Kindergarten, Romsey Villa

PAG Centre and Thomas Hall into community hub with.

• 66 licensed place kindergarten

• 2 MCH offices

• District community hall that facilitates a playgroup

• Onsite parking.

Further Investigation Required

3. St Albans

Children’s

Centre

St Albans

Planning District

Short

term

Further investigation is required to identify a site in the

St Albans Planning District that would be suitable for a

Children’s Hub which would include 66 licenced place

kindergarten, multipurpose playgroup room and two (2) MCH

offices.

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 49

4. Invest in playgroup sites to address identified fit for purpose issues.

5. Following a service review of kindergarten, long day care and playgroups as part of an Early Years Review:

• Consider early years service facility models, integrated uses in light of government capital funding requirements

and private sector market share. Identify how Council can evolve the current facility offering to meet the needs of

the Brimbank community now and into the future.

• Investigate the future need and facility models of the low use / poor quality playgroup, kindergarten and long day

care facility sites in light of the development of new integrated community facilities.

• Investigate the opportunity to optimise current playgroup facilities and maximise community use.

6. Continue delivering playgroup programs from multipurpose community facilities. When planning for new children’s

hubs, investigate including a multipurpose playgroup room with playgroups being the primary user.

7. Review existing reporting options and where required develop robust electronic reporting system/s to capture data

that measures the use of services. This reporting system will generate reports (i.e. occupancy, attendance etc.)

across varied time periods (i.e. weekly, monthly etc.) and will be used to drive continuous improvement.

50 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

Youth Services

Imagining Brimbank in 2040 community workshop

The Brimbank Youth Service develops innovative, adaptive and accessible partnerships, programs and projects that

have far-reaching, measurable benefits to young people aged 12-25 years who work, live, study or spend time in

Brimbank, including:

• A youth support and counselling program to enhance individual health and wellbeing.

• A Young Communities program to increase participation in Council decision-making processes; build strong

connections via the Brimbank Youth Sector Network; and deliver focused sessions on topics of interest for young

parents, new residents, Pasifika, and young people with a disability.

Council owned Youth Resource Centre in St Albans and the privately owned/Council leased Visy Cares Hub in Sunshine

provide dedicated facilities to support Brimbank youth. The following Council facilities are also used from time-to-time:

St Albans Community Centre (STACC); Sunshine Library; Sydenham Neighbourhood House; West Sunshine Community

Centre; and Youthlinks auditorium. The Youth Services B-Heard Youth Support Program partners with external service

providers and local secondary schools.

Council Buildings

7

Annual Users of Facilities

42,432

Council Owned Buildings are at

Least 40 Years Old

0%

Quantity

Under Supplied

Quality

Generally Fit For Purpose

Catchment

Does Not Meet Catchment

Standard

Utilisation

Meets Usage Target

Asset Condition

Good

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 51

Brimbank is aspiring to meet the following quantity target when proposing current and future Youth Service facility

provision: One (1) youth resource centre every 60,000 residents.

Based on the quantity target, and current youth facility supply in the municipality, there is an undersupply of 0.5

facilities in 2018. Council will continue to have an undersupply of 0.8 in 2038.

The catchment standard for current and future facility provision is for youth service hubs to be located within walking

distances to train stations. The two current sites, Visy Hub and Youth Resource Centre are close to train stations and

therefore meet the catchment standard. However there are gaps in the Deer Park, Keilor, St Albans and Sydenham

planning districts.

Co-location of both generalist and specialist youth services (Youth Hubs) are considered best practice to enable a young

person to access multiple help-seeking opportunities. The addition of youth hubs in the St Albans and Watergardens

activity centres will enable the majority of Brimbank youth to access a youth hub within walking distance of train

stations and provide services in the north, central and south sections of the municipality.

1. Consider the incorporation of youth space as part of the St Albans Leisure Centre replacement.

2. Following a service review, Council to investigate options for the provision of space, for generalist and specialist

youth services. Locations to be investigated include:

a. St Albans Activity Centre

b. Watergardens Activity Centre.

3. Investigate the option for a youth space as part of a Deer Park Library redevelopment.

4. Pilot the development of dual purpose MCH / Youth Counselling offices. MCH will be the primary user and Youth

secondary user. Youth to use the office after hours and on weekends. Site to be confirmed.

5. Develop an integrated on-line booking system for space available for hire in Council owned community centres, hubs

and halls. This will include standardised hire fees and charges, as well as terms and conditions. The on-line booking

system will include improved reporting.

6. Review existing reporting options and where required develop robust electronic reporting system/s to capture data

that measures the use of services. This reporting system will generate reports (i.e. occupancy, attendance etc.)

across varied time periods (i.e. weekly, monthly etc.) and will be used to drive continuous improvement.

52 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

6. Implementation

As discussed throughout this Community Services and Infrastructure Plan, Council will work to address the identified

gaps in the provision of community services and infrastructure across the city in a range of ways. These include:

• Deliver services and establish partnerships

– Strategic Investigations

– Operational Improvements

– General Recommendations

• Maintain and improve existing infrastructure

• Development of new multipurpose community hubs .

The time lines for the implementation of this Community Services and Infrastructure Plan are broadly categorised

as Short, Medium or Long Term, with exact timeframes to be determined following further investigation for each

recommendation and are subject to budget availability.

54 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

6.1 Deliver services and establish

partnerships

The following feasibility studies and further strategic investigations are recommended to be undertaken once this

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan has been adopted by Council.

Library Network

Feasibility Study

Complete a feasibility study focusing on the library network. The

study will focus on four key locations:

1. St Albans Library Redevelopment

The St Albans Library building floor area does not meet the

current quantity target. Projected population growth will

result in the building floor area being unable to adequately

accommodate service users. The feasibility study will

determine the best location, building size and components

required for the expansion or relocation of the St Albans

Library.

2. Deer Park Library Redevelopment

The Deer Park Library building floor area does not meet the

current quantity target. Projected population growth will

result in the building floor area being unable to adequately

accommodate service users. The feasibility study will

determine the best location, building size and components

required for the expansion or relocation of the Deer Park

Library.

3. Potential library for the Derrimut, West Sunshine, Ardeer

catchment.

The feasibility study will determine if a library is required

to service residents in Derrimut, West Sunshine and Ardeer

catchment. If a library is required, key items to address are

location, building size and components. If the study identifies

that a further library is not required, potential opportunities to

deliver library services through other community facilities in

this area will be explored.

4. Possible Sydenham Library Relocation

The feasibility study will determine if the existing Sydenham

Library is to be relocated, the best location, building size and

components. This project will be informed by the Sydenham

Community Hub Relocation project.

Each project will identify potential co-location of community

services.

Deer Park,

St Albans,

Sunshine,

Sydenham

Short

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 55

Early Years

Review

Following a service review of kindergarten, long day care and

playgroups:

• Consider early years service facility models, integrated uses in

light of government capital funding requirements and private

sector market share. Identify how Council can evolve the

current facility offering to meet the needs of the Brimbank

community now and into the future.

• Investigate the future need and facility models of the low use /

poor quality kindergarten, playgroup and long day care facility

sites in light of the development of new integrated community

facilities.

• Undertake a competitive neutrality test of Council owned

long day care services to ensure compliance with the National

Competition Policy.

• Identify a site in the St Albans planning district that would

be suitable for a children’s hub to include a 66 licensed place

kindergarten, multipurpose playgroup room and two MCH

offices.

• Investigate the opportunity to optimise current playgroup

facilities and maximise community use.

Municipal Short

Neighbourhood

House Feasibility

Study

Following a service review, Council to complete a feasibility study

focusing on the Neighbourhood House network, with a specific

focus on the future of the Cairnlea Community Hub and the Duke

Street Community House.

Municipal Short

Youth Centre

Feasibility Study

Following a service review, Council to investigate options for the

provision of space, for generalist and specialist youth services.

Locations to be investigated include:

a. St Albans Activity Centre

b. Watergardens Activity Centre.

Municipal Short

56 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

Community Hall

Future Locations

In response to identified gaps in the location of Community Halls,

investigate:

• planning for one district community hall in the Deer Park

Planning District

• planning for one district and two municipal community halls in

the Sunshine Planning District

• planning for one municipal community hall in the Sydenham

Planning District

• solutions for the oversupply of district level halls in the Keilor

planning district and the potential to repurpose sites to

address other community requirements i.e. provision of Arts

facility.

• future requirement for John McLeod Hall (old) due to its low

use and poor condition.

Deer Park,

Keilor,

Sunshine

and

Sydenham

Short

Arts and Culture

Facility Study

Following a service review, undertake a facility study to

determine:

• Gaps in arts service provision.

• Location, size and components of identified facility gaps.

• Future use of Council owned community facilities as a local or

district level performing arts facility.

The facility study will ensure that all arts facilities are

multipurpose and accessible to the community when not used for

arts.

Municipal Short

Derrimut

Community Hub

Feasibility

Undertake a feasibility study to identify:

• Gaps in community service provision in the Derrimut catchment

and the service and infrastructure solution that is required.

• If recommended, identify the location and facility components.

Deer Park Short

Guide and Scout

Halls

Council, Guides Victoria and Scouts Victoria to work in partnership

to review and determine the most appropriate facility model for

the future.

Municipal Short

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 57

Sydenham

Community Hub

Relocation

Investigate options, with the owners of Watergardens Shopping

Centre, to relocate the Sydenham Community Hub to a new

ground floor facility. Services at a minimum to be investigated for

inclusion include:

• Library

• MCH Offices

• Municipal Community Hall

• Neighbourhood House

• Youth

Sydenham Medium

Old Deer Park

Primary School

Site

Investigate options for future use of old Deer Park Primary School

site.

Deer Park Medium

Sassella Park

Community Hub

Investigate options for future use of Sassella Park as an

integrated community hub.

Deer Park Medium

58 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

Service summary recommendations regarding operational improvements have been compiled in the following table:

All Services

Review existing reporting options and where required develop robust

electronic reporting system/s to capture data that measures the use

of services. This reporting system will generate reports (i.e. occupancy,

attendance etc.) across varied time periods (i.e. weekly, monthly etc.) and

will be used to drive continuous improvement.

Short

4 Year Old

Kindergarten

Support lessees of Council owned stand-alone kindergartens and

integrated children’s centres to increase the use of these facilities in

order to achieve the capacity target of 80% and 100% participation of

the 4 year-old population.

Short

Arts and Culture,

Community Hall &

Meeting Spaces,

Neighbourhood

Houses, Youth

Develop an integrated on-line booking system for space available for hire

in Council owned community centres, hubs and halls. This will include

standardised hire fees and charges, as well as terms and conditions. The

on-line booking system will include improved reporting.

Short

Bicycle Education

Facilities

Council will work in partnership with the Brimbank Bicycle Education

Centre Incorporated Committee of Management to:

• increase use of facilities.

• ensure the facility continues to be fit for purpose.

• support the volunteers in building their knowledge of Council’s roles

and legislative responsibilities and relevant policies and processes.

Ongoing

Community Halls &

Meeting Spaces

Undertake targeted promotion, monitoring and tracking of community

halls and meeting spaces with a focus on those that are underutilised.

Ongoing

Housing of historical

and heritage artefacts

Work in partnership with the Brimbank Historical Societies volunteers to:

• support the management and preservation of Brimbank's significant

historical sites, buildings and artefacts.

• ensure the facilities continue to be fit for purpose.

• support the volunteers in building their knowledge of Council’s roles

and legislative responsibilities and relevant policies and processes.

Ongoing

Library Service

Investigate opening high demand libraries for longer hours to meet

community demand.

Short

Maternal and Child

Health

Investigate options for the feasibility and cost of weekend MCH office

visits during peak periods.

Ongoing

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 59

Neighbourhood

Houses

Investigate options to offer additional programming at non-traditional

Neighbourhood House locations such as libraries, leisure centres,

community halls and meeting spaces, youth centres and open space

throughout the municipality. Council to continue offering Neighbourhood

House programs at the Keilor Community Hub.

Ongoing

Neighbourhood

Houses

Focus on increasing Neighbourhood House use outside of business

hours and consider different management models with outside business

hours staffing.

Short

Neighbourhood

Houses

Where evening Neighbourhood House programs are offered, Council

to investigate options for providing car park lighting to enable and

encourage additional safe evening use.

Short

Neighbourhood

Houses

Maintain funding agreements with the independent Neighbourhood

Houses that provide valuable additional programming opportunities for

the Brimbank community.

Ongoing

60 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

The following Service Summary recommendations have been informed by detailed demand analysis based on

population forecasts to 2038; existing and potential service utilisation; current and future market trends in Brimbank:

All Services

Invest in creating vibrant community facilities with multipurpose spaces that are fit

for purpose, welcoming and contemporary. This will be achieved through internal and

external upgrades to facilities.

4 Year Old Kindergarten

Prioritise investment into integrated children’s hubs rather than stand alone

kindergartens. This will maximise partnership opportunities and reduce capital cost

to Council.

4 Year Old Kindergarten,

Long Day Care

Investigate the opportunity to partner with not for profit and private early years

providers when developing new children’s hubs or redeveloping existing early years

facilities.

4 year old Kindergarten,

Community Halls

Adhere to the building standards detailed in the Demand Assessment report, when

building new and refurbishing existing kindergartens, community halls and meetings

spaces.

Long Day Care

Subject to the findings of the Early Years Service Review, investigate Council

provision of Long Day Care services.

Maternal and Child Health All Maternal and Child Health sites to have a minimum of 2 offices.

Maternal and Child Health,

Youth Services

Pilot the development of dual purpose MCH / Youth Counselling offices. MCH will be

the primary user and Youth secondary user. Youth to use the office after hours and

on weekends. Site to be confirmed.

Planned Activity Group (PAG) Future growth of PAG programs are to be accommodated in multipurpose community

facilities that are fit for purpose.

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 61

6.2 Maintain and improve existing

infrastructure

Council is committed to specific Community Facilities Capital Works programs each year known as ‘Rolling Programs’.

These rolling programs focus on minor upgrades of existing facilities to ensure they are fit for purpose and are of a high

quality. This Community Services and Infrastructure Plan recommends that Council prioritise short term investment in

service facilities with an “unfit for purpose” or “attention required” rating.

Minor changes to Rolling Program Categories may be introduced over the coming years due to completion of all listed

projects or emerging needs.

The current rolling programs include:

• Acoustic Treatment Upgrades

• Baby Change Table Installations

• Bin Cage Installations

• Building Improvements

• Car Park Upgrades

• External Access Upgrades

• Flooring Upgrades

• Heating, Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC) Upgrades

• Kindergarten Play Space Upgrades

• Major Kitchen Upgrades

• Minor Kitchen Upgrades

• Safety and Security Lighting Upgrades

• Storage Upgrades

• Swipe Card Access Upgrades

• Toilet Upgrades

Each rolling program will have established criteria applied to all projects to determine priority order beyond the 2018/19

financial year. A Community Facilities Improvement Plan has previously been developed to inform the 2018/19 Capital

Works Council Budget, which is a precursor to this Community Services and Infrastructure Plan.

Once the Community Services and Infrastructure Plan is adopted, priority listings for all rolling programs beyond

2018/19 will be developed and referred to Council’s Executive Management Team for approval.

62 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

6.3 Development of new

multipurpose community hubs

As part of the decision making process for developing new multipurpose community hubs a Project Evaluation

Framework has been developed to determine the priority order for implementation of all planned and emerging projects

over time. This enables Council to effectively prioritise projects, ensuring that all community facilities are assessed

consistently, and are determined in a fair and equitable manner.

This framework will be used to inform Council on future funding submissions and annual budget planning.

The Project Evaluation Framework on the following page is used to assess each proposed project against set criteria

with associated scores, with projects scoring higher being listed higher in the priority order. New projects that emerge

over time will be assessed via the same criteria to determine their position in the priority order.

Application of the Project Evaluation Framework assists Council in determining which projects to recommend for

funding through Council’s Capital Works budget; and for potential grant submissions to Federal and State funding

programs.

Each project is subject to Council’s budgetary process and will involve the development of a detailed business case as

part of Council’s Project Management Framework. A part of this work will include the development of Feasibility Studies

as required, which will consider the rationalisation of existing community facilities identified as having low utilisation or

being of poor quality, and that can be replaced by the new multipurpose community facility.

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 63

Quantity

A strategic assessment to determine

if the quantity of provision meets the

needs of Brimbank residents in the

relevant planning district

Score

Oversupply

0

Undersupplied up to 5% of quantity

standard

5

Undersupplied by 5% to 20% of quantity

standard

10

Undersupplied by more than 20% of

quantity standard

20

Quality

A facility specific assessment to

determine if facilities are suitable

for their intended purpose and if not,

what improvements are required to

make them more suitable for use

Score

Fit For Purpose (less than 2.5)

0

Attention Required (between 2.5 and 3.5) 10

Unfit For Purpose (greater than 3.5)

20

Catchment

A strategic assessment to determine

the maximum reasonable distance

that residents should expect to have

to undertake to access facilities in

their planning district

Score

Meets the catchment standard

0

Up to 10% and less than 20% of the

municipality is outside the catchment

standard

5

More than 10% of the municipality is

outside the catchment standard

10

More than 20% of the municipality is

outside the catchment standard

20

Utilisation

A facility specific assessment that

measures current use of facilities and

determines whether facilities have

adequate future capacity to meet

community demand

Score

Does not meet or exceeds target

standard + / - 5%

0

Does not meet or exceeds target

standard by 5% to 20%

10

Does not meet or exceeds target

standard by 20% or more

20

Asset Condition

A facility specific assessment that

measures current condition of

facilities and the buildings remaining

economic life to ensure we are safely

and fiscally meeting community

demand

Score

Report Score = 1 (Excellent)

0

Report Score = 2 (Good)

5

Report Score = 3 (Average)

10

Report Score = 4 (Poor)

15

Report Score = 5 (Very Poor)

20

64 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

Major New Multipurpose Community Hubs in Priority Order

Following the assessment of all major new multi- purpose community hubs using the Project Evaluation Framework,

the priority listing is as follows:



Alexandra

Avenue

Children's

Centre

• 66 licensed place kindergarten to be operational in 2019 Sunshine In progress



Purpose built

PAG facility

• A new purpose built PAG room is constructed at the

former Keilor Village Library site.

Keilor

In

progress



St Albans

Leisure Centre

Replacement

• Consider the incorporation of youth space as part of the

St Albans Leisure Centre replacement.

Sydenham In

progress

1

St Albans

Library

Redevelopment

• Undertake works to redevelop the St Albans Library as

informed by the Library Feasibility Study.

St Albans Short

2

Deer Park

Library

Redevelopment

• Undertake works to redevelop the Deer Park Library as

informed by the Library Feasibility Study.

Deer Park Short

3

Deer Park West

Children’s and

Community

Centre

• 66 licensed place kindergarten.

• Multipurpose community space with a playgroup primary

user.

• As part of the development of Deer Park West

Kindergarten, consider nearby low use / poor quality

facilities for rationalisation. This is subject to future

community consultation and analysis.

Deer Park Short

4

Albanvale

Children's and

Community

Centre

• 66 licensed place kindergarten.

• Multipurpose community space with a playgroup primary

user.

• 2 maternal and child health offices.

• Possible sports pavilion and change rooms as identified

in the Sports Facility Development Plan 2018.

Deer Park Short

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 65

5

West Sunshine

Children’s and

Community

Centre

• Site to be investigated for either the West Sunshine

Community Centre or at the Glengala Primary School

with DET.

• 66 licensed place kindergarten.

• 2 maternal and child health offices.

• As part of the development of the West Sunshine

Children’s Centre consider nearby low use / poor quality

facilities for rationalisation. This is subject to future

community consultation and analysis.

Sunshine Medium

6

Furlong Road

Children’s and

Community

Centre

Consolidate the users of the Dorothy Carlton Kindergarten,

Romsey Villa PAG Centre and Thomas Hall into a community

hub with:

• 66 licensed place Kindergarten.

• 2 maternal and child health offices

• District community hall (primary use) that can facilitate

playgroups.

• Onsite parking.

Sunshine Medium

7

Dempster Park

Children’s and

Community

Centre

Consolidate the users of the North Sunshine Kindergarten,

Phoenix Street Children’s Centre, Dempster Park Community

Hall and possibly the Scout Hall, into the Dempster Park

Children’s and Community Centre with:

• 66 licensed place kindergarten

• District Community Hall

• Investigate the opportunity to include performing arts

facility.

Sunshine Medium

8

Sydenham

Community Hub

Investigate options with owners of Watergardens Shopping

Centre to relocate the Sydenham Community Hub. Services

at a minimum to be investigated for inclusion include:

• Library

• MCH Offices

• Neighbourhood House

• Municipal Community Hall

• Youth

Sydenham Medium

66 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

TBC

Youth Hub

• Implement outcomes of the Youth Services Review and

Youth Centre Feasibility Study.

Municipal Medium

TBC

Derrimut

Community Hub

• Implement the outcome of the Derrimut Community Hub

Feasibility Study.

Deer Park Medium

TBC

St Albans

Children’s and

Community

Centre

Undertake works to create the St Albans Childrens and

Community Centre as informed by the Feasibility Study

which could include:

• 66 licensed place Kindergarten.

• Multipurpose community space with a playgroup primary

focus.

• 2 maternal and child health offices.

St Albans Medium

All timelines outlined in this Community Services and Infrastructure Plan are indicative and subject

to Council budget processes for the allocation of appropriate funds.

Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038 67

Major New Multipurpose Community Hub Projects by Planning District

68 Community Services and Infrastructure Plan 2018-2038

9249 4000

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