- New KindiLink building officially opened at Katanning Primary School
- Purpose-built facility to enhance the provision of early childhood education
- Project funded as part of the Early Years Partnership between the Cook Government, Minderoo Foundation and Telethon Kids Institute
- Providing a dedicated focus for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children
Early Childhood Education Minister Sabine Winton today officially opened a new purpose-built KindiLink facility at Katanning Primary School to enhance the provision of early childhood education in the region.
KindiLink is a play-and-learn initiative for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children who are not old enough to enrol in school. It is currently provided in 38 Western Australian public schools at no cost to families.
The program commenced at Katanning Primary School in 2016 and has since supported families to be actively involved in their child's educational journey and transition into formal schooling.
The new building provides a secure, accessible space for KindiLink sessions and is equipped with dedicated play areas, kitchen and storage facilities, ensuring an optimal environment for learning and growth.
The project was completed with an investment of approximately $160,000 including associated landscaping and playground improvements.
It forms part of the Early Years Partnership, which is a collaboration between the State Government, Minderoo Foundation, Telethon Kids Institute and the local community.
The Early Years Partnership aims to improve the development, health and learning of children aged 0-4 years across its partner communities of Armadale, Central Great Southern, Derby and Bidyadanga.
Each community has led the development of their own Community Plan, identifying key priorities to improve children's wellbeing and school readiness. The communities are supported to develop evidence-based solutions which are implemented at the local level.
The Early Years Partnership received a funding boost of $34.6 million in the recent Budget to ensure continued investment in the critical stages of child development.
As stated by Early Childhood Education Minister Sabine Winton:
"The Cook Government is committed to ensuring Western Australia's children get the best possible start in life.
"Since its inception at Katanning Primary School, KindiLink has been instrumental in laying the foundation for early development and building strong connections with families.
"The provision of a purpose-built KindiLink facility marks a significant milestone which will further enhance the provision of early childhood education for the Katanning community.
"I am excited to inaugurate this new chapter in the KindiLink program at Katanning, which will continue preparing children for school by ensuring that learning begins at home and extends into classrooms.
"This is a great example of a project under the Early Years Partnership that is helping to improve the development, health and learning outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
"I want to thank the Minderoo Foundation and Telethon Kids Institute for their ongoing investment and collaboration on the Early Years Partnership, which is making a genuinely positive impact on communities and the lives of children."
