By Justin Flynn
The Ocean Grove Neighbourhood Centre is still counting the cost of April’s torrential downpour that flooded some parts of the town.
The centre has been closed since March when the first of the storms hit the region with the 24 April storm further damaging the building.
Water came flooding down from Shell Road Reserve and damaged five rooms at the centre.
Works are well underway to repair the facility, which will be open again on 17 July for term three classes.
“We’ve had to cancel a lot of classes and had to squish a lot of people together in makeshift classrooms,” Ocean Grove Neighbourhood Centre assistant manager Julie Long said.
“It’s impacted a lot on the centre. There were groups that were leasing rooms that have now gone elsewhere.”
Our Lady Star of the Sea Primary School, Bellarine Sports and Aquatic Centre and the Boorai Centre were similarly affected by the Anzac Day eve storm that also saw dozens of homes in Collendina flooded and evacuated.
However the centre is slowly getting back on its feet with the carpets throughout the building being ripped out and renovations well underway when the Voice visited last week.
Water ankle deep had flooded throughout most of the building.
“They say it’s a once in 100 year thing, but you wouldn’t want to see it happen again anytime soon,” Ms Long said.
“We should be back to full service in term three.”
