New centre connects Craigieburn community

The Brotherhood of St Laurence welcomes today's official opening of the new Connections@Craigieburn centre that will serve the Craigieburn community.

"The Brotherhood has been a part of the Craigieburn community for 14 years, and we are proud to be involved with this exciting project that brings together such a wide range of services under the one roof," said Brotherhood of St Laurence Executive Director, Tony Nicholson.

Connections@Craigieburn brings together nine agencies to provide financial, employment and welfare services in the old Craigieburn Library building on Craigieburn Road. The Brotherhood of St Laurence has taken out the head lease with Hume Council, with the Victorian Government and the Federal Department of Human Services contributing financial support.

"This is an exciting day for Craigieburn," said Barbara Romeril, the Brotherhood's Senior Manager – Craigieburn. "Craigieburn is one of the fastest growing suburbs in Melbourne, and until now Craigieburn residents have had to travel long distances to receive many basic services.

"Residents will now be able to drop in to the Hub, and be connected to a whole range of services including employment and training services, financial advice and counselling, family services, community health, disability services and emergency food relief.

"Bringing these core services to Craigieburn will prevent isolation and help families and communities thrive," said Ms Romeril.

Connections@Craigieburn also has large meeting and training rooms which can be hired for use by local people and organisations.

The nine partner agencies involved in the centre are Anglicare, The Brotherhood of St Laurence, Berry Street, Dianella Community Health, CVGT Australia, Broadmeadows Disability Services, Kildonan Uniting Care, Lentara Uniting Care and Youth Projects.

"The development of the centre has required strong relationships of trust between the agencies, and shows what can be done when agencies and government work together for the benefit of local residents," said Mr Nicholson.

Connections@Craigieburn is located at 59 Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn and will be officially opened by Hume Mayor Geoff Porter on Thursday 8 August at 10.30 am. Other speakers include local MP Maria Vamvakinou and Bernie Finn MLC.