Feedback wanted on future lease terms for Bulldogs children’s centre
Published on 15 September 2025
Following community feedback earlier this year, Council is now seeking for community insights to support the development of an updated head lease for the Bulldogs Community Children’s Centre in Footscray.
In June 2025, Council resolved to consider a new lease proposal for the centre as the previous lease held by the Western Bulldogs had expired. In line with the Local Government Act 2020, a 28-day public consultation process was undertaken, due to close on 22 July.
“During that time, we received a petition with over 2,570 signatures and more than 400 formal submissions opposed to proposed changes. We heard community feedback loud and clear during that period, and saw how important the centre is to its community. Before Council is presented with an updated lease, we want to hear from our community to ensure the lease reflects the needs and expectations of the community,” Deputy Mayor, Cr Bernadette Thomas said.
Based on previous feedback, Council resolved that the lease will:
- retain the clause to ensure the centre must be run by a not-for-profit provider
- remove the first right of refusal clause (which would have given the Bulldogs automatic priority in future leasing)
Council is now calling for feedback on:
- how long the new lease should run (five or ten years)
- what matters most to you in local childcare at this centre
Your feedback will help develop options for the new lease, and your priorities will be shared with the Bulldogs so they understand community priorities when managing the lease. We will consider all feedback before reporting back to Council later this year.
Share your feedback by completing the online survey by midnight Sunday 12 October 2025 at maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/bulldogslease
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