Councillor Garry Thompson, Mayor of Boroondara: Welcome everyone.
I'd like to start by acknowledging the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people as the Traditional Owners and original custodians of this land and pay my respects to their Elders, past and present, and the Elders from other communities who may watching online today.
I'm really excited to open this wonderful new Camberwell Community Centre.
This purpose-built facility was designed to meet the demand of the centre's popular activities and programs, now and into the future.
Whilst we wish you could be here with us to celebrate this milestone event, we're so glad that you can join us online for us to virtually open the doors today.
Margaret Rogers, Chair of Camberwell Community Centre committee: The Camberwell Community Centre has been an important part of Boroondara for over 40 years
This redevelopment has created more opportunity and capacity to develop programs for the Boroondara and Camberwell community.
Councillor Di Gillies, Junction Ward councillor: We know how important community centres and neighbourhood houses are. They offer opportunities for lifelong learning and connections.
Margaret Rogers: The programs delivered by the Camberwell Community Centre are art and pottery programs, health and welfare and social groups and language programs.
Councillor Di Gillies: The Camberwell Community Centre has the highest number of neighbourhood house members in Boroondara, which shows how valued this place is.
Margaret Rogers: Community groups such as the three senior citizens groups, plus the film society and other community organisations use these premises on a regular basis. It will be fantastic for them.
The building has two large art rooms a modern pottery studio rooms for language classes and a wellness room, and a lovely hall for use.
Councillor Di Gillies: For the first time, the Camberwell Maternal and Child Health service is now located in the heart of Camberwell.
Margaret Rogers: The centre is now well placed to develop expanding and exciting services for the residents of Camberwell and the community of Boroondara.
Councillor Di Gillies: I'd like to thank everyone who participated in this facility, especially Margaret Rogers who was there from the beginning and helped bring this project to life.
Councillor Garry Thompson: Now that this wonderful community centre is open, we invite you to come down and enjoy and all of the activities that are on offer. Whether it's the ceramics or whether it's the wellbeing room, please come and visit and take part in the programs. Thank you.