Gerald Lynch
Hume council is seeking to answer the prayers of Campbellfield residents, and is looking to provide greater open activity spaces.
At a May 13 council meeting, councillor Chris Hollow said he was taken aback by community feedback at a previous meeting, where a local resident expressed her displeasure with the lack of recreational facilities in Campbellfield during a budget submission.
“I was impressed at our recent community budget ideas submission evening to hear the community’s boldness in bringing forth their concerns and aspirations for the Campbellfield neighbourhood,” he said.
“During the presentations, community members expressed their need for enhanced unity, facility upgrades, and overall betterment in Campbellfield.”
He said he had gone to the liberty of identifying some potential “quick wins” for the community that could be addressed in the near future, while longer term options continue to be investigated.
“Only 69 per cent of homes in Campbellfield are within 400 metres of open space they can visit, this is the lowest rate in Hume,” Cr Hollow continued.
One space he raised was the Seth Raistrick Reserve.
It received some upgrades in 2019 and 2021, but it currently faces a lack of seating near the play spaces and tennis courts, as well as insufficient lighting at night time, leading to an unsafe environment and less usability for residents.
He also noted Alan Barry Reserve. Gravel paths around the park make scooters and bikes non-viable options for children, and he said the soccer goals must be re-instated to give children a place to play.
Cr Hollow also mentioned the Campbellfield Community Centre, stating that its interior needs to be updated.
“I understand that since the budget submission evening, new furniture has been put into
Campbellfield Community Centre. However, new furniture doesn’t go far enough to modernise this space,” he said.
“The centre has a worn appearance and would benefit from modernisation and revitalisation to transform it into a vibrant hub for community events, like Iftar dinners and birthday celebrations.”
