Contractors will continue works on the Lancefield Childrens Centre, after cultural heritage approvals were completed.
Works paused on the new kindergarten and maternal and child health service centre after a cultural artefact was found on-site.
Since the artefact was discovered, project manager of the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) has been working alongside Traditional Owners and Macedon Ranges to assess the site, recently receiving approval to resume works.
Macedon Ranges community director Maria Weiss said that it was important that the cultural heritage process was not rushed in respect of the artefact found.
“We know how important it is to collaboratively work alongside our First Nations stakeholders, and as soon as the discovery was made, it was essential that the VSBA took the time to complete further due diligence,” Ms Weiss said.
“Council appreciates the patience of all involved in this process – from land managers and the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation, to current and potential kinder families – and we look forward to opening the new facility to the community next year.”
The centre was officially named ‘The Lancefield Childrens Centre’, after a consultation period where children enrolled at Lancefield Kindergarten were presented with a list of proposed names to vote on.
Works will resume this month, with the centre set to be completed by mid-2025.
