Contractors last week got the green light to proceed with works for a new kindergarten and  Maternal and Child Health service in Lancefield, following cultural heritage approvals.  

Works had paused on the High Street site (next door to the town’s primary school) following an earlier discovery  of a cultural artefact on site.

Since that time, project manager the Victorian School Building Authority  (VSBA) had been working closely with Traditional Owners and the Macedon Ranges Shire Council to take the time to safely  assess the site, recently receiving approval to resume works.  

Earlier this week, prior to going into caretaker mode, the council issued a media release announcing that the work could now resume.

The council’s Director Community, Maria Weiss, said 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,” she 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.”  

Construction of the new modular building – proposed to be named the Lancefield Children’s Centre –  is set to resume this month (September 2024), with the centre now forecast for completion by mid-2025.  

Target timelines on the new kindergarten and Maternal and Child Health Centre in Lancefield have changed, due to the discovery of a cultural artefact during site preparation works.

In line with strict protocols around such unexpected discoveries, works were immediately paused and project managers the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA) consulted with the relevant Traditional Owner Corporation, which then engaged a heritage consultant and began preparing a Cultural Heritage Management Plan to enable the works to progress.

The Macedon Ranges Council’s Director Community, Maria Weiss, said the delay to the opening of the facility was disappointing given the community need for increased local services.

“This means that the new kinder and Maternal and Child Health Centre will not open as scheduled,” she said.

“We will continue to work closely with the VSBA and update families – and the broader public – as the project progresses, including when we have a firmer idea of revised timelines.”

The project, located next to Lancefield Primary School, will feature a modern three-room facility which is largely built offsite through modular construction.

Words & Image: Supplied