Dandenong Council appeals to Victorian Government to help fund aquatic and wellbeing centre

Greater Dandenong Council is appealing to the Victorian Government to help fund the delivery of the Dandenong Wellbeing Centre (new Dandenong Oasis) - considered to be a high priority infrastructure project for the region and the state.

Council has received a funding commitment of $20 million from the Federal Government for this project (and the nearby Noble Park Aquatic Centre) and is calling upon the State Government for a matching commitment of $20 million, which collectively represents under 50% of the total project cost.

Touted as a ‘preventative health hospital’, it’s estimated that the centre will generate $8.9 million in savings to the health system each year.

The detailed design phase of the project has concluded, with the proposed centre promising to set a new benchmark for aquatic centres, with a targeted focus on health and wellbeing.

The Dandenong Wellbeing Centre (DWC) will include allied health consulting suites, meeting and program rooms and two warm water pools for hydrotherapy, rehabilitation and gentle exercise. Also included are traditional aquatic and leisure facilities, including a 50 metre pool, learn to swim pool, leisure pool with water play, spa, sauna, gym, group fitness rooms, café and much more. 

The DWC has overwhelming community support and has been designed in collaboration with the community, with over 2400 engagements over four separate rounds of consultation.

A detailed business case was submitted to the State Government in 2021 detailing a compelling investment case for the project. In addition to the stated health benefits, the centre is projected to generate an 84% increase in participation levels, create over 150 construction jobs, 51 ongoing jobs and add $3.3 million to the economy each year.

Mayor Jim Memeti is calling on the State Government to invest in the DWC to achieve the preventative health outcomes the centre will deliver.

Mayor Memeti notes “the health and wellbeing of the community is a shared responsibility between all levels of government.

“Greater Dandenong is Victoria’s most multicultural community and is also one of the most disadvantaged municipalities in the state, with high levels of inactivity, health challenges and disengagement.

“The DWC has been designed to address this high level of need, with a range of unique features and attributes to cater for people of all ages, abilities and cultures.

“It is now time for us to all work together to deliver this wonderful new facility, which will make a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of the community and visitors from across the south east region.

“Escalating construction costs is making the delivery of major projects increasingly challenging for local government and increased support is required across all levels of government in order to deliver major capital projects.”

For more information visit greaterdandenong.vic.gov.au/works-and-projects/dandenong-wellbeing-centre-new-dandenong-oasis

Image: Artist impression of dedicated Warm Water Pool Hall.