Dianella Community Centre

An integrated hub delivering programmed services and informal spaces to support community building

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Creating connection in a new community

The Dianella Community Centre is the first piece of community infrastructure for the rapidly expanding Tarneit West area of Victoria, creating a vital gathering space for new residents and families pending construction of a planned town centre. Working with Wyndham City Council, Jasmax (previously Canvas Projects) developed a fresh approach to community centres suited to the culturally diverse, multi-generational households moving into the area.

Consultation highlighted that, in addition to key services such as an early childhood education centre, the community wanted a mix of welcoming, programmed and flexible spaces to connect with one another. The design establishes an open and inviting building alongside an outdoor amphitheatre, gardens and paved areas to host markets, performances and events, helping establish connection in this fledgling neighbourhood.

Meeting real needs

The centre integrates essential services for the community:

Early learning: A kindergarten with dedicated outdoor play areas
Family support: Maternal and child health services
Health services: Consultation rooms for community health programs
Gathering spaces: A community lounge and flexible rooms that can adapt for everything from small meetings to large celebrations
Practical facilities: A commercial kitchen for community events, cooking classes, and pop-up social enterprises
Public realm: Town square connecting and activating the facility and wider precinct

Forming the heart of the building, the central foyer connects to internal programmed and unprogrammed spaces that extend to activate the surrounding public realm. Natural light flows through skylights above comfortable seating areas, while warm timber ceilings create a homely atmosphere throughout.

The success of the award-winning project led to subsequent projects with Wyndham City Council, including the Truganina Community Centre and Mainview Community Hub.

Jasmax acknowledges the Bunorong People as Traditional Custodians of the Country upon which Dianella Community Centre is located.

In a strong field, this modest project stands tall as a model for community centres, delivering considered and humble architecture to the Tarneit community.

— AIA Victorian Architecture Awards jury, 2023