A kindergarten facility in Sebastopol has undergone a much-needed facelift.
The Sebastopol South Kindergarten Refurbishment project was officially unveiled on Thursday, with Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison MP joining City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson and Eureka Community Kindergarten Association CEO, Joanne Geurts for a tour of the facility.
The project was funded with $500,000 from the State Government via its Building Blocks Early Childhood Refurbishment and Minor Works Program, with the City of Ballarat contributing a further $62,973.
The refurbishment of the Spencer Street kindergarten has delivered a fit-for-purpose and inclusive facility for 44 children per day in both three and four-year-old kindergarten.
The works include the addition of a large outdoor covered area to provide an improved indoor and outdoor learning experience and extending the children's amenity areas into the existing verandah to include changing tables.
The works also increased the internal storage space, improved the overall functionality of the facility with the addition of new adult and child height wash basins within the kindergarten rooms, and an upgrade to the heating and cooling system.
Outside, landscape and facade treatments have significantly improved the appearance of the building.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the refurbished facilities aligned with the priorities outlined in the City of Ballarat's Municipal Early Years Plan 2022-2026.
"It is vital we ensure that children at our centres have access to quality early learning, kindergarten and schooling that meets their needs," he said.
"We are thankful for the State Government for their substantial investment in this project are very proud to help deliver it for the families of Sebastopol."
Member for Wendouree, Juliana Addison MP said the refurbishment was a wonderful outcome for the community.
"Our littlest learners at the Sebastopol South Kinder deserve a bright, beautiful and safe learning environment," she said.
"By modernising and expanding this kindergarten, we are delivering on our Best Start, Best Life reform and ensuring all children gain the academic and social benefits of kinder."
The kindergarten refurbishment is the latest in a series of Sebastopol projects recently completed in collaboration with the State Government and City of Ballarat, including the Sebastopol Library Small Spaces Community Garden, the Urban Forest Update and completion of MR Power Park Upgrades.
Other collaborative projects that are currently under way include the implementation of projects within Marty Busch Reserve Master Plan and the construction of the Sebastopol Community Hub, which is also in conjunction with the Federal Government.
The are also projects currently being rolled out as part of the State Government's $5 million Spotlight on Sebastopol program, including:
- The Yarrowee River Access Project
- The Hertford Street Bike Path Project
- The Victoria-Albert Street Precinct Implementation
- The Sebastopol Community Art Project
The Sebastopol South Kindergarten Refurbishment project, as well as the joint-projects mentioned above, are examples of the City of Ballarat's commitment to delivering a better Ballarat.
