Belvedere History
Belvedere Community Centre grew from humble beginnings in 1975 when a group of local women met to discuss women's recreational needs in the Frankston area. Arising from this, the Women's Activity Group (WAG) was born. It provided activities directed at women including recreational, self-help and parenting. It also addressed problems associated with attending these activities such as free childcare, transport and low cost activities.
Read about our exciting evolution below.
1970's
In 1975, Women’s Activity Group (WAG) formed to give women access to recreational activities. WAG offered a 6 week program at Frankston Police & Citizens Hall planned and implemented by volunteers and 120 women attended.
An offer was negotiated with the Frankston City Council to use the old junior library (where PARC is located) to run workshops, including a dressmaking group. WAG was granted a 1 year lease as co-tenants with the cricket club.
Eventually a school holiday program was held and was attended by 140 children. This program transitioned to be run by FCC and they are still running is today.
Originally set for demolition, WAG was able to appeal to council members for use of Orwill St Community House. This later served as headquaters to a WAG established tenant’s union, supported by local solicitors.
A women’s refuge was established to cater to abused women and children, supported by community agencies and Frankston Police. ‘Your child and you’ was also held, a workshop aimed at parents which provided daycare for their children by WAG volunteers.
1980's
Frankston City Council granted WAG the use of a community house at 28 Dandenong rd. WAG was becoming a hub of activity offering personal development, educational and recreational programs with childcare an integral part of activities.
Carmel Teague was appointed as WAG’s first manager, with Karleen Petrenko as the Co-ordinator. WAG was also Incorporated.
To make room for the development of the ring Roa overpass, WAG was served an eviction notice with no alternative venue offered. After much lobbying WAG was temporarily relocated to 30 Dandenong Road, previously used as emergency housing.
Frankston City Council approved a building permit to construct new housing, 36 Belvedere Rd, Seaford.
New programs cropped up within the organisation; Auslan and Literacy programs were run at the Community Programs Annexe at Kelso St (Frankston College). The Literacy program averaged 60-65 participants throughout the year with 30 volunteer tutors, and 140 people graduated the Auslan program.
1990's
36 Belvedere rd went underwent construction to become compliant with child care regulations, and were registered as a Class 2 child care centre. The community house was officially opened by Mayor Cr Michael Fuller, and WAG programs were relocated here from Kelso st.
WAG was notified by Frankston College that it could no longer use the annex and was relocated to a house owned by Frankston TAFE.
Due to changing community dynamics and to ensure men were accepted, Women’s Activity Group changed it’s name to BASE (Bayside Adult Community Education Inc). Lauraine Patton and Roz Chiget were appointed as acting managers, and Sharon Allen was later appointed manager.
2000's
BASE was rebranded to Belvedere Community Centre Inc.
2010's
36 Belvedere rd went underwent construction to become compliant with child care regulations, and were registered as a Class 2 child care centre. The community house was officially opened by Mayor Cr Michael Fuller, and WAG programs were relocated here from Kelso st.
WAG was notified by Frankston College that it could no longer use the annex and was relocated to a house owned by Frankston TAFE.
This fell through however. Discussions then commenced with FCC Family Support Services for a Child and Family Services hub to be developed in the Belvedere region, with Belvedere Community Centre as co-tenants. Again these plans were cancelled by one of the ward Councillors who had concerns about the environmental footprint of the facility.
Committee members appealed to council, raising awareness of the need for a new premises. Late 2019, Belvedere Community Centre submitted an expression of interest for the redevelopment of St Kilda Football Club ‘Linen House’ located at 151 East Rd, Seaford.
2020- Now
Through the pandemic, plans continued to develop around the development of the ‘Healthy Futures Hub’ at 151 East Rd Seaford. English as an Additional Language classes commenced in the Linen House board room, and the basketball court was used for exercise classes (due to density limits imposed due to COVID-19)
In 2022 Belvedere Community Centre commenced using the Community and Social rooms during the day at the Davey Richardson Pavilion, 151 East Rd, where they continue long term alongside the Seaford Junior Football Club and the Seaford Cricket club.
In 2023 Belvedere Community Centre relocated to Healthy Futures Hub at 151 East Road Seaford, alongside an amazing array of organisations focused on health and wellbeing.
Opening Hours
Monday- Friday 9am to 3:30pm
T: (03) 9776 8922
E: reception@belvedere.org.au
Our location
Healthy Futures Hub
151 East Rd Seaford
Victoria - 3198
Belvedere Community Centre acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we live and work and pay respect to Elders past, present and future. We are on Bunurong Land.
© 2025 Belvedere Community Centre
Belvedere Community Centre is supported by:
Belvedere Community Centre acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we live and work and pay respect to Elders past, present and future.
We are on Bunurong Land.
© 2025 Belvedere Community Centre
T: (03) 9776 8922
E: reception@belvedere.org.au
Healthy Futures Hub
151 East Rd Seaford
Contact us
Monday - Friday 9am to 3:30pm
Opening Hours
T: (03) 9776 8922
E: reception@belvedere.org.au
Healthy Futures Hub
151 East Rd Seaford
Contact us
Monday - Friday 9am to 3:30pm
Opening Hours
T: (03) 9776 8922
E: reception@belvedere.org.au
Healthy Futures Hub
151 East Rd Seaford
Contact us
Monday - Friday 9am to 3:30pm
Opening Hours
Belvedere Community Centre acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which we live and work and pay respect to Elders past, present and future.
We are on Bunurong Land.
© 2025 Belvedere Community Centre
