Communities in the Macedon Ranges Shire and surrounding areas will soon have access to a new multi-purpose hub for health and community services with the commencement of project works on the Healthy Community Access Hub in Kyneton.
The facility, due for completion mid-2020, will bring together primary health, community health and wellbeing services, private practitioners and counsellors as well as increased multi-purpose consulting rooms and meeting spaces.
A health and wellbeing precinct
The new Hub will be constructed adjacent to the Kyneton District Hospital, creating a significant health and wellbeing precinct for the community.
Cobaw Health CEO Margaret McDonald says 'Our current facility is over 90 years old, and isn’t disability accessible, so this new Hub and the expanded facilities will have an incredibly positive impact on both our staff and the community we serve.' Ms McDonald says she’s particularly excited about the addition of designated areas for youth programs and children’s art therapy and counselling within the Hub design.
Alongside these dedicated youth and children’s spaces, the Hub will comprise 13 consulting rooms, a community kitchen, bathroom and laundry, plus flexible meeting rooms with audiovisual and ICT facilities. These rooms will be available to community groups for meetings and consultations. Staff safety and amenity has been a focus of the design, with secure new work and reception spaces plus additional car parking areas
A purpose-built facility
The building design involved significant input from future users of the facility, including community representatives and Cobaw Health staff, something Ms McDonald notes will ensure the new Hub is purpose-built for the needs of the surrounding communities.
Funding regional health infrastructure
The $9.77 million project has been funded through the Victorian Government's Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF). One of the largest investments yet via the fund, Kyneton’s Healthy Community Access Hub represents a significant investment in community health infrastructure for people living in central Victoria.
The Victorian Government established the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund to rebuild and refurbish rural and regional health facilities, ensuring all Victorians can access high quality care and facilities, no matter where they live.
