Tony Lupton - News
$1.7m for Prahran Mission redevelopment
State Member for Prahran Tony Lupton MP has announced a Brumby Government contribution of $1.7 million towards Prahran Mission’s major redevelopment project.
Mr Lupton was delighted to formally present the contribution to Prahran Mission CEO Quinn Pawson at the celebrations which officially launched the project.
“Prahran Mission is an icon in our local community, which has consistently supported those battling poverty, homelessness and mental illness. The work the Mission does is invaluable, and the services it delivers to vulnerable people in need reach thousands every year,” Mr Lupton said.
The contribution of $1.7 million dollars, delivered through the Department of Human Services (DHS), will go towards a complete refit and refurbishment of the multi-storey premises at 211 Chapel Street Prahran.
“The DHS funding will enable Prahran Mission to upgrade service infrastructure to meet Victorian Government policy objectives by upgrading service infrastructure,” Mr Lupton said.
The works will focus on addressing significant occupational health and safety issues, improving operational efficiencies and space available within the building and thereby allowing additional programs to be run and more clients to access the service.
“The redevelopment of the Mission’s Chapel Street premises will ensure they can continue to offer vital support to those struggling to overcome social and economic disadvantage,” he said.
Once completed, the refurbishment will provide a multi-purpose space which is safe, dignified and private for clients, which meets contemporary service delivery standards, is sustainable and highly efficient, and able to meet the growing demand for service into the future.
“The redevelopment project will also ensure that Prahran Mission’s tireless staff and volunteers can continue their fantastic work in a safe and comfortable working environment,” Mr Lupton said.
Mr Quinn Pawson spoke of his vision to transform the Chapel Street building, which is currently degraded and outdated.
“The run-down state of the building has a really negative impact on the people we are here to serve. The contribution from the State Government will assist us to uplift the premises, and address the priorities of the mental health reform agenda outlined by the Government in their Because Mental Health Matters strategy,” Mr Pawson said.
“We aim to ensure that the building is designed to deliver services and to do so well into the future,” he said.
