Regeneration in 2009 and beyond!

The Seymour Regeneration Project was launched today in the Seymour Performing Arts Centre, with approximately 100 people including Principals and staff from Seymour Government Schools, Goulburn Ovens TAFE, Mitchell Shire and a number of other organisational stakeholders.

The regeneration project is part of the State Governments "Building Futures" project. Building Futures is the conceptual framework that guides all capital investment in government school infrastructure in Victoria. It enables new facility design and the organisation of education services to better meet contemporary education needs.

The day was opened by Regional Director of Department of Education and Early Childhood Development for the Hume region, Mr. Stephen Brown. He welcomed Member for Seymour Mr. Ben Hardman and Mitchell Shire Mayor, Mr. Bill Melbourne.

Stephen Brown highlighted to the assembled audience what a rare and significant opportunity there was to contribute to the planning and regeneration of Education and Training opportunities in Seymour and the surrounding region, an opportunity that was a once in a generation.

It was also pointed out that a detailed and open consultation phase would follow throughout 2009, with a view to ensuring the maximum benefit for broad community development.

Members of the Central Ranges LLEN will be extremely pleased with this development and will already be aware of the advanced stages of the Kyenton Education Plan, a similar but slightly further advanced project based in the Macedon Ranges Shire.

It is now apparent that each of the community centres across the three Shires served by the Central Ranges LLEN, now have access to planning and [potentially] capital resources from both the State and Federal Governments, all focused on creating cross-sector whole-of-community resources that will regenerate and support communities well in to the future.

The challenge will now be to ensure that these opportunities are firmly grasped and that all community members and stakeholders contribute to the consultation phases and ensure we get the best possible outcomes for the young people across our communities in 2010 and beyond.

The Board of the Central Ranges LLEN partnership [which now extends to almost 200 individuals and organisations across the three shires] will continue to be a major contributor of data, expertise and willing partners, to ensure these opportunities are fully realised.

We will continue to provide members with updates and details as the planning unfolds in 2009.

Related Links:

• Kyenton Education Plan

Building Futures