Families in Traralgon can look forward to more kindergarten places and more modern facilities, thanks to a new Building Blocks Partnership led by the Andrews Labor Government with the City of Latrobe.
Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Ingrid Stitt today announced the $3.68 million partnership, which will fund two kindergarten projects and create more than 100 new places for local kids to attend Three-Year-Old Kindergarten.
The partnership includes $680,000 to upgrade and expand Parklane Preschool, increasing the kindergarten's capacity to provide up to 48 places for three-year-old children. Work will start this year, with the renovated kindergarten to open in 2024.
A further $3 million will fund a new three-room modular kindergarten accommodating more than 100 places as part of the Pax Hill Kindergarten in Traralgon. The new facility is scheduled to open in 2025.
With more than 150 kindergarten places available at both services in coming years, the increased capacity will help ensure more young families in Traralgon can access a quality local kindergarten.
Families across the Latrobe Valley will also benefit from this Building Blocks Partnership, with planning under way for future kindergarten expansion projects in the region.
This latest Building Blocks Partnership brings the total number to 10, after the first agreement was signed with the City of Wyndham in 2021.
Through our $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reform, the Victorian Government is delivering an ambitious transformation of early childhood education over the next decade to help children thrive, save families money and support parents, especially women, return to work if they choose.
The Labor Government has committed $584 million to build and run 50 government-owned and operated early learning centres for communities that need them most.
With 30 locations already announced, including Yallourn North-Glengarry, growing families can look forward to more kindergarten and childcare options in their local area by 2028.
As stated by Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Ingrid Stitt
"Every child deserves a high-quality local kindergarten in which to learn and play and this partnership means more kinder places for the regions families, with more opportunities to give their children the best start in life."
As stated by Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing
"We're investing in new and upgraded kindergartens now, so local families across the Latrobe Valley can access great kindergartens when and where they need to."
As stated by Latrobe City Council Mayor, Councillor Kellie O'Callaghan
"The early years of a child's life are crucial for their healthy growth, wellbeing and development. Through the support of the Victorian Government, more children will be able to access kindergarten services in Latrobe City, which will support and nurture our youngest community members in their formative years."
