Fronditha Care, a not-for profit aged care provider, will be able to create a flexible and multi-use community centre in Melbourne’s south east with the help of a $20,000 grant from the federal government.

The funds will be used to purchase tables, chairs and TV screens, and will be fitted in a way that they can be adaptable to the needs of different community groups.

Hotham MP Clare O’Neil visited Fronditha Care’s Support Hub in Mulgrave on Thursday and explored the area where the new centre will be built. It will house two large function rooms but will also be a multipurpose space transformable into offices or training rooms.

Fronditha Care President Faye Spiteri stated the centre is needed for the Greek community in the southeastern suburbs of Melbourne.

“I am sure that come the end of this year, community organisations will be able to harness the opportunity to utilise the contemporary centre for their functions, activities and meetings,” she said.

CEO George Lekakis AO says the area will be extremely versatile to ensure the changing needs of the community are addressed.

“Groups will be able to host large ticketed events, or just have their monthly members’ nights,” Mr Lekakis said. “It’s important to cater to all age groups, budgets, and cultures at this centre.”

When presenting the grant to the organisation, Ms O’Neil stated, “Fronditha Care does amazing work in the provision of residential aged care to people in my electorate of Hotham. The residents at Fronditha Care have access to great facilities, and receive the support and care they need whilst feeling more connected with their traditional Greek culture and identity.

“I hope this community grant will help make this centre a community hub that people of all ages can come and enjoy.”

The community centre is scheduled to be completed by mid-2019.

The grant is a part of the Stronger Communities Program which provides each of the 150 federal electorates with up to $150,000 to fund small capital projects. Each grant hopes to improve local community participation and engagement.

In September 2018, the Victorian State Government gave a $250,000 grant to Fronditha Care towards the construction of the community centre.