But eastern metropolitan region Labor MP Shaun Leane said once planning was done the community house and school found they needed more money for their projects and the Government was happy to help.

The money is part of the State Budget, which is officially handed down ­tomorrow.

House manager Heather McTaggart said she was “over the moon” about the boost as the new centre would allow them to offer more courses and better cater for people with a disability and the elderly.

Ms McTaggart said their current “rabbit warren” site on Mountain Highway only had six parking spots to cater for the more than 50 people who attended daily.

“A purpose-built facility will be fabulous for us to deliver exciting new courses, community events and programs, so we’re just delighted,” Ms McTaggart said.

She said it would also allow them to work closely with the school on intergenerational learning, and they planned to establish a community garden, and to be able to offer back-to-work training for young mums.

The house already runs pre-accredited training courses in computing, photography, digital technology and health and wellbeing, as well as yoga, meditation, and craft.

Ms McTaggart said she didn’t know what would happen to their current centre and it would be up to the buildings owner, Knox Council, to determine its future. The council did not respond to inquiries before deadline.

Kimberley Seedy, Knox Leader
April 24, 2016 12:00am

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