Builder appointed Ocean Grove Hub
A new Bellarine Community Health (BCH) ‘Health and Wellbeing Hub’ in Ocean Grove is a step closer with the appointment of a builder for the project.
Loaram Constructions has been appointed to undertake stage one of the project with work already underway and expected to be completed by the end of August this year.
“We are thrilled to be working with Loaram Constructions again,” says BCH CEO Garry Ellis. “Loaram has a proven track record having completed the redevelopment of the BCH Portarlington site last year. They delivered a modern building within budget which is now being enjoyed by our clients on the Northern Bellarine.”
This new development for BCH will deliver a purpose built, accessible and inclusive hub designed by local firm Four18 Architecture, located in Goodwell Drive in Kingston Estate. The land was generously donated by development company Kingston Ocean Grove owned by the Corless family.
“The hub will provide the Bellarine community equitable access to quality health services and supports and enhance our capacity to engage with children, young people and their families,” says Mr Ellis.
The hub will be a state-of-the-art facility for a multi-disciplinary team of health professionals who will deliver holistic, comprehensive, and integrated care.
“The integrated services at the Ocean Grove Health and Wellbeing Hub will positively impact preventable health issues, developmental concerns and support overall wellbeing for children,” says Liz Womersley, BCH Executive Director of Child, Youth and Family Services.
Stage one of the Ocean Grove Health and Wellbeing Hub received $4 million in funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care and $150,000 from the Anthony Costa Foundation.
Stage one will include contemporary assessment, therapy and sensory spaces, outdoor therapy areas and group rooms for children in a welcoming and engaging environment.
The Hub has been designed in two stages, with the second stage allowing for co-location of BCH’s highly skilled youth services team. The ability to have both child and youth services within the one building would allow for a broad range of services from a single, central location on the Bellarine and would enhance access, streamline care pathways, facilitate improved outcomes for children, young people and offer support and advice for parents and carers.
BCH is actively seeking additional funding to build the second stage and welcomes any expressions of interest from philanthropic organisations wanting to enhance services for young people on the Bellarine.