The all day forum at the Whitten Oval showcased best practice in community hubs and the provision of practical tools for their development.
Keynote speakers on the day were Lily D’Ambrosio MP (Victorian Minister for Community Development), Campbell Rose (CEO Western Bulldogs) and Frank McGuire (Global Learning Village).
Western Bulldogs CEO Campbell Rose said that the Club was proud to host such an important event at the $30m redeveloped Whitten Oval.
“The fact that the Whitten Oval was chosen to host today’s conference really showcases how the precinct has been transformed from a derelict, redundant, single use facility into a living, breathing hub supporting a range of vital community services, whether it be not-for-profit childcare or spaces for local regional sporting organisations.”
“Single use sporting facilities have had their day and the multi-use aspects of the Whitten Oval precinct really supports the Bulldogs community development approach to operating as a football club.”
“The Whitten Oval is not just a place for the players to train, it provides our community with a place to meet, play, socialise and learn. We are very proud of our home here at the Western Bulldogs and we hope that we can provide a blueprint for the development of future community hub projects throughout Australia,” Rose said.
Today’s event comes off the back of the release of the Bernard Salt Report commissioned by the Club, a recent study that showed Melbourne’s outer Western Wedge is now the fastest growing region in Australia.
Campbell Rose said that the Bulldogs community hub was well placed to service the burgeoning western region of Melbourne.
“Clearly we are in a tremendous position to service the fastest growing community in Australia. The Whitten Oval will play a vital role in helping build stronger communities in the west,” Rose said.
