The big news for 2011 is that Daylesford Neighbourhood Centre has a new classroom!

Situated behind the Old Courthouse, the new building has been funded by the Federal Government's Department of Employment Education and Workplace Relations as part of its education revolution program.

Constructed with the assistance of a $239,000 grant, the classroom has been purpose-built to be a vocational education and training facility, and will be used primarily for the Centre's accredited training courses. The building - designed by Daylesford architect Clinton Krause - features both interior and exterior areas, making it perfect for subjects such as horticulture.

The sheltered exterior area will also be used as a performance stage and meeting space. The building will be available for hire by community groups.

The building boasts state-of-the-art green credentials, being double glazed, well insulated, and with an abundance of natural light. DNC hopes to shortly commence a series of public experiments to explore ways to further reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the structure.

The classroom, which is fully wheelchair accessible, is the first new building erected in the Old Courthouse precinct for 10 years, and will go a long way towards addressing the comfort and heating issues which have at times plagued users of the older buildings.

The new classroom represents a real improvement in the facilities offered by DNC, and we look forward to the many new courses and activities we will now be able to offer.