Mayor’s vote seals the fate of Kelly Park Community Centre, sparking community outrage.
In a deeply contentious decision, Wyndham City Council has voted to demolish the Kelly Park Community Centre in Werribee, replacing the fire-damaged building with ‘open space’ despite overwhelming community sentiment that the hall should be restored or rebuilt for public use. The vote, which was split evenly among councillors present, saw Mayor Mia Shaw (Werribee Park Ward) cast the deciding vote in favour of demolition, even though the hall is located within her own ward.
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Councillors voting for demolition were Mia Shaw, Josh Gilligan, Maria King, Shannon McGuire, and Preet Singh. The outcome has angered residents who feel their voices are being ignored, particularly as new councillor Maria King campaigned on a promise to “advocate for community resources.” Her vote to demolish the centre has been criticised as a clear backflip on her election commitment.
“A Tough Decision”
Councillor Josh Gilligan, who introduced the motion for demolition, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, stating that “an expectation was previously created in the community that was never going to be met.” He added that the choice would “test the resolve of certain councillors”, implying that fiscal concerns and practical limitations outweighed community demands.
However, many residents see this as an unacceptable excuse, arguing that council failed to manage expectations and meaningfully engage with the community before deciding to demolish a vital resource.
A Vital Community Hub Lost
The Kelly Park Community Centre, which was severely damaged in a fire in June 2022, had been a beloved and essential hub for the Wyndham community. For decades, it hosted gatherings, classes, social services, and events that brought people together across generations. Many residents argue the centre’s neglect was a failure of council responsibility, and that its demolition is the culmination of years of poor management rather than necessity.
Options Presented but Ignored
Before last night’s vote, councillors were presented with three options to save or replace the centre:
1.Repair and Refurbish the Existing Building – A like-for-like restoration at an estimated cost of $3M-$4M with a timeline of 12-18 months.
2.Like-for-Like Replacement – Demolish the structure and build a modern 820sqm facility at an estimated cost of $8.5M over 18-24 months.
3.Community Hub with Library and Hall – A three-storey facility with 1,520sqm of library and community space, costing $26M and taking 18-30 months to complete.
Despite these alternatives, councillor Gilligan’s motion argued for demolition based on financial concerns. Findings from external consultants Heritage Extent Pty Ltd claimed that the building did not contribute to Kelly Park’s cultural heritage and suggested its removal could improve the park’s landscape. Council’s internal heritage department supported these findings, and earlier this year, the planning application appeared to progress with little public objection.
Community Sentiment Ignored
Local frustration remains high, with many feeling their voices have been dismissed. Heather, a resident, shared her disappointment: “So disappointing, personally I never knew or understood why council didn’t keep it maintained in the first place. Perhaps then it could have been kept and not torn down. Hope they replace it with something suitable.”
The decision also sparked criticism over transparency, with residents arguing the council has failed to act in the community’s best interests. Many feel that councillors who voted for demolition prioritised financial constraints over the value of inclusive spaces that serve people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds.
A Divisive Outcome
Councillors who previously supported saving the centre, including Heather Marcus, Robert Szatkowski, Jasmine Hill, Sahana Ramesh, Peter Maynard, Marcel Mahfoud, and Susan McIntyre, had highlighted the building’s importance in fostering community wellbeing. The reversal has left many questioning why council would not pursue more affordable alternatives, such as refurbishment, to preserve such a critical facility.
The Kelly Park Community Centre’s demolition has become symbolic of a wider issue in Wyndham – a growing perception that the council is not listening to its community. While councillors who supported demolition have framed it as a tough but necessary decision, residents remain unconvinced and concerned about the lack of genuine community engagement in the process.
