Families and children in Lancefield and surrounds now have access to more modern kindergarten and Maternal and Child Health facilities, better meeting a growing demand for both services in the area.
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan, State Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas and Macedon Ranges Shire Council Mayor Dom Bonanno were among those on location on Friday to tour and officially open the Lancefield Children's Centre, located at 76A High Street and delivered by the Victorian School Building Authority.
The new three-room facility, which began operating last week, has increased three and four-year-old kindergarten offerings and has capacity to welcome up to 99 children at a time. It features expansive indoor and outdoor spaces, complete with nature play equipment and shade sails.
Council's Maternal and Child Health service will also operate from the site on Mondays, with space available for the delivery of a community-run playgroup.
Mayor Dom Bonanno said the new facility was not only incredibly well-equipped but was also conveniently located next door to Lancefield Primary School, making it easier for families who may have children at both services.
"This new facility ultimately means providing a better learning environment, better facilities for staff to utilise, and ensures a more convenient option for families with children at the important early years of life," Mayor Bonanno said.
"We thank all involved – particularly the Victorian Government – in supporting this priority project for Council, enabling us to expand on vital education and health services for the community."
The new facility was made possible through the 2022-23 Building Blocks Grants – Capacity Building stream from the Victorian Government. Additional grant funding from the Victorian Government provided state-of-the-art equipment and educational tools, while Council funding has contributed towards furnishing as well as improved environmental and sustainable design elements.
The naming of the Lancefield Children's Centre included consultation with children who attended Lancefield Kindergarten last year, with the children placing an importance on the title reflecting their home and continuing the legacy of the previous service.
The new facility achieves a key output from Council's Municipal Early Years Plan (CREATE) , which identified a need for additional contemporary, fit-for-purpose early years infrastructure in Lancefield.
Kinder registrations are encouraged by 31 May the year before a child starts kindergarten.
Find out more about enrolment or b ook an appointment with a Maternal and Child Health nurse.
