Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn and Member for Kalkallo Ros Spence were in Beveridge on Friday 7 February to view the ongoing expansion of Greater Beveridge Community Centre and announce funding for the Wallan East Integrated Family and Children's Centre in Wallan.
These projects support the Victorian Government's Best Start, Best Life program to implement a universal funded three-year-old kindergarten program across the state.
Funded by a $3.97 million investment from the Victorian Government, the Greater Beveridge Community Centre Expansion project will deliver two new interconnected kindergarten rooms, as well as a minor expansion of the outdoor play space.
This vital infrastructure upgrade will support the Beveridge community's ongoing population growth and will help address increasing demand and potential waitlist challenges, ensuring local families have access to essential early childhood education
In addition to the new kindergarten rooms, the project will also include landscaping works to ensure the facility remains accessible and welcoming to all.
Wallan East Integrated Family and Children's Centre will be an engaging and inclusive community hub and is made possible thanks to $18.150 million from the Victorian Government and $2 million from Council.
It will offer spaces for targeted, inclusive and responsive early years education, maternal and child health support services and provide flexible and accessible community spaces.
The project will help establish a flagsphip, family-oriented community facility at Wallara Waters, the largest new development site in Wallan East.
The Centre is designed to serve as a comprehensive hub for early childhood and family services, providing tailored support to meet the needs of the rapidly growing Mitchell Shire population.
Key features of the Centre include sessional kindergarten programs, supported by a range of wrap-around services, as well as Maternal and Child Health services, primary health care, and allied health support.
The Centre will also house a multi-purpose community space, supporting adult learning and community engagement through regular activities, gatherings, and support groups.
The facility's strategic location alongside the soon-to-be-established Wallan East Primary School will ensure integrated service delivery for local families, positioning the Centre as a long-term community asset for generations to come.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Councillor John Dougall highlighted the importance of the projects for Mitchell's rapidly expanding population.
"This expansion at Beveridge and the state-of-the-art facility at Wallan East will be tremendous assets for local families, providing more opportunities for our youngest residents to receive high-quality early education and the best possible start in life," he said.
"As Mitchell Shire continues to grow, it's vital that our infrastructure and services keep pace with the needs of the community. These projects are an important step towards ensuring we can meet that demand.
"We are incredibly grateful to the Victorian Government for their support in making these projects possible, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on local families and the broader community."
Works on the Greater Beveridge Community Centre expansion are expected to be completed by December 2025.
It is anticipated the Wallan East Integrated Family and Children's Centre will be completed and operational in late 2026.
