Our Future Hub
City of Port Phillip, in conjunction with the Victorian Government, is redeveloping the EcoCentre building so it is more functional and sustainable. During the works, the EcoCentre has relocated to the Cora Graves Community Centre adjacent to the gardens. Construction commences mid-2023 to be completed by late 2024.
An EcoCentre where we all belong.
The people of Port Phillip and Greater Melbourne want to live in a greener, cooler, more liveable city. We want to breathe clean air and walk on litter-free beaches. We want our children and grandchildren to swim in a plastic-free bay, to hear birds singing in our parks and gardens, to understand and care about this place we call home. We want our homes and streets to be resilient to the impacts of climate change.Â
The environment has become the top concern for Australians (Ipsos 2020), and over the last 24 years the Port Phillip EcoCentre has helped translate that care into action. In the last decade we have seen a 500-fold increase in young people engaging with our programs, a 660% increase in people taking action to restore their local environment, and our volunteer hours increased to a record 21,021 per year in 2020. Our cottage facilities are no longer fit-for-purpose, demonstrating sustainable practice, meeting capacity demands or accessibility requirements.
At a time when Australians are increasingly seeking ways to connect and create tangible change, the EcoCentre’s team and expert network are equipped to scale up community leadership for the climate, health and economic challenges ahead. The EcoCentre is a place where everyone comes together to care for the places we all love, together with people from all sectors of our diverse community. Â
Providing space for Melbourne to connect, act and transform.
As a base to stimulate connection, education and action, our new EcoCentre will contribute to a thriving future where humans live sustainably, with equitable access to clean air and water, healthy soil, abundant wildlife and renewable energy:
- A community space triple the size of the EcoCentre's current meeting room, to house excursions and educator PD workshops, as well as community workshops, meetings, and volunteer trainings
- All-weather learnscapes to enable year-round place-based education for learners of all ages, including adult groups, large school classes and early childhood groups
- Stunning sustainable design. Net zero carbon in operation and construction, and powered by 170 rooftop solar panels, the new building will model innovative sustainable design and living
- A fully fit out community kitchen and garden, nature play nook and accessible decks, including native climbing plants on the building's exterior and no loss of open space
- One of the first citizen science labs in Australia, supporting volunteer-driven projects including microplastic analysis and biodiversity research
This is a time for change.
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Join us to create a thriving world.
The Port Phillip EcoCentre Building Redevelopment is supported by the Victorian Government and the City of Port Phillip.
We are now seeking contributions from philanthropy, business and community to assist with remaining costs of fitout and support the expansion of our programs for increased impact.
Get in touch with April Seymore, Executive Officer, to discuss this project
