On April 13, more than 400 community members gathered to celebrate a significant milestone for Development Victoria’s local LUMA residential development with the official launch of Willowbark Park.
LUMA development is a result of the government agency transforming a vacant site in Sunshine North into a new community located close to existing jobs, schools, roads, and hospitals.
When completed, LUMA will feature approximately 300 townhouses designed to suit a range of households and budgets, surrounded by green open spaces.
The new park is a central feature of the development, and is designed to offer residents and the wider community a welcoming, inclusive green area to gather and enjoy.
Willowbark Park, spans over 3600 square metres and includes two custom-built shelters, picnic seating, electric barbecues, expansive open lawns, and a nature-inspired playground featuring climbing structures, timber steppers, and balance beams.
The design prioritises natural elements and sustainability, with over 40 new trees planted to complement the existing mature canopy.
A standout feature of the playground was the introduction of three hand-carved timber wombats, created by Indigenous artist Glenn Romanis. Guests were invited to suggest names for the wombats, with the final selections to be engraved in the coming weeks.
The launch featured a variety of Easter-themed activities, with children enjoying an Easter egg hunt, and face painting.
The event also marked the completion of stage one of the development, with the first residents now moved in.
