Three years ago, the Bunyip Complex Fire ripped out the heart of the Garfield North community. But in its recovery, a $2.3 million multi-purpose facility is testament of the community's strength and spirit.
The multi-purpose centre, to be built at Cannibal Creek Reserve will provide a much-needed centre for the community and user groups.
It has been a long awaited project for community members who welcomed $2.3 million in funding to bring the project to life.
The community hub will be funded by a $1.3 million State Government Growing Suburbs Fund grant and $1 million from Cardinia Shire Council.
The new centre will be used by existing recreation groups as well as other community groups and provide a location for functions and events.
The community driven project will now enter a design phase, involving extensive community consultation about the design and siting of the centre.
But the basics have been decided. The hub will include an open space for community gatherings, a commercial kitchen, meeting areas, toilet facilities and a wide verandah.
Bunyip Fires Community Recovery Committee president Tony Fitzgerald said the impact of the 2019 Bunyip fires on the Garfield North community, like other local communities, was profound.
Mr Fitzgerald said while the recovery centre operated at the Tonimbuk Hall, it didn't bring Garfield North people together.
He said the recovery committee soon became aware that Garfield North residents lacked a community place to meet for mutual support.
"The most important thing in recovery is community. In Garfield North, just about every property was hit. Not having a gathering place to get together and look after each other was really hard.
"This lack hampered recovery for Garfield North residents, particularly in relation to the psychological impact. The power of community connection to be a great healer when it comes to recovery after a disaster is well-documented.
"The committee considered options for a suitable site for a community meeting place and Cannibal Creek Reserve stood out. Fortunately, the Cannibal Creek Reserve committee were also very keen to explore the possibility," he said.
Mr Fitzgerald said when the idea of a community hall was first discussed, shire chief executive officer Carol Jeffs listened and agreed there was a need.
"Council has held community dinners and there has been a real effort to facilitate recovery. This is a magnificent site to now have a facility...there is great potential for this reserve," he said.
The idea was embraced by the Cannibal Creek Reserve committee of management, including members George Fry and Garry Burns who acknowledged the persistence of Mr Fitzgerald, Ms Jeffs and shire community recovery team leader Bronwyn Fleming to ensure the project was delivered.
Mr Burns said early in the fire recovery process, Labertouche resident Lorraine Box addressed community members, inspiring them with her story of recovery from the Black Saturday fires.
He said Lorraine inspired them to set short, medium and long term plans but also encouraged Garfield North to come together as a community.
"She told us if we have community dreams, now is the time to put it in a proposal. So we looked at a community centre," he said.
Ms Fleming said it had been a privilege to be part of a team effort and work so closely with the Garfield North community in its recovery, particularly to deliver such an exciting project.
"Primarily it's a community hall but we want it to be a practical space for user groups," she said.
Mayor Jeff Springfield said the funding would deliver a much needed community facility for Garfield North.
"It is something that is long overdue and it will complement the natural assets already at this reserve.
"This was really championed by our ceo after she recognised the need for a facility for a recovering community," he said.