The site of Bendigo’s former Sandhurst Centre has gone to waste for eight years – claims Nationals Member for Northern Victoria, Gaelle Broad.
Graffiti litters state government owned building across greater bendigo, including the centre.
Locals have voiced their concerns for the Finn Street site which they said had fallen into a terrible state.
A local resident wrote to Broad’s office saying: ‘The place is covered in graffiti and significantly vandalised. We have had to call the police several times about drug deals occurring there.”
Originally the Sandhurst Boys’ Home, the centre was established in 1956 to cater for adolescent boys with intellectual disabilities. It was managed by the Department of Health and closed in 2016 when the 29 residents were moved to purpose-built residential homes, the property had sat idle since then.
“The buildings are now dilapidated, vandalised and covered in graffiti.
“Police have been called to investigate drug deals at the site, and I understand squatters have been in the buildings.
“Local residents feel unsafe, and the government needs to take action to address this dangerous and wasteful situation.”
Broad says locals had suggested the site could be rehabilitated for social housing.
“Alternatively, the Government could sell the land to help pay off its massive debt,” Ms Broad said.
