Bellarine Peninsula Seniors Activity Hub - Project Update

During this recent period of ‘isolation’ Martin Wilson has certainly been busy.   He has formed the Bellarine Peninsula Seniors Activity Hub – Development Committee Inc and has presented a Proposal to the City of Greater Geelong, as part of their 2020-2021 Budget Submissions.   Whilst the Proposal was formally lodged over a week ago, Martin was asked to present a 3 minute overview of the Project to the CoGG Submission Review Panel on the 3rd June.   A decision will be made on the 30th June when the CoGG submit their final Budget Plan.

As you are well aware, many of the populated centres on the Bellarine Peninsula are facing a growth in the number of seniors.   There is a lack of large indoor recreation infrastructure space on the Bellarine Peninsula that we believe needs to be addressed since interest in indoor recreation club activities continues to grow.   Existing halls will not meet these objectives, either currently or in the near future.

Martin’s proposal reflects minimal direct cost to the Council Budget, but at the same time, a Project that will create an opportunity to provide great benefit to the Community; the infrastructure on the Bellarine Peninsula; and the City of Greater Geelong.  
In terms of the City’s contribution to the Project, this will involve the provision of the land area (one that is currently owned by the Council) at the Marcus Hill Hall; the cost of the Feasibility Study and the Architect’s Fees.

The Project has been costed at $1,700,000 over 21/22 and 22/23 financial years, the funds for which will ideally come from:
−        Victorian State Government Grants of $600,000 – 21/22 Budget
−        Federal Government Grants of $1,000,000 – 21/22 Budget
−        The $100,000 balance will be sourced through donations from local businesses and the community.

Subject to available grant monies, we have already received positive support from Minister Libby Coker, Senator Sarah Henderson and Minister Lisa Neville in support for the Project.

The various User Groups will be the life-line of the Hub.   After the initial formation years the user groups will sustain the Hub.  We estimate in the Hub’s third year in operation, we will achieve revenue of over $110,000.   Ongoing sustainability over the first five years will come from Core User Groups attracted to the Hub, many of which have already expressed a desire to move to the new Hub.  

The proposed Hub is endeavouring to attract 4 types of Hub Users:
1.       User Groups supported by Regional Service Provider Organisations
2.       Permanent Independent User Groups that are self-supporting – such Users will call the Hub home.   The Bellarine Keen-Agers are an example of this User Group.
3.       Permanent Casual Hirers – eg: PROBUS
4.       Opportunity/Casual Hire Groups - Parties and gatherings.

It is hoped that this project demonstrates the City’s commitment to ‘putting our community first’, as the proposed hub will provide more quality space to support active lifestyles and support the growth of localised and regional recreational facilities.

Well done Martin,

Graeme Beardwood
President – Bellarine Keen-Agers Table Tennis Club
Mobile:  0402 300 449
Email:      gbeardwood@optusnet.com.au