THE Leongatha Early Learning Centre has marked a significant milestone – construction is underway at Symmons Street.
The project will see the construction of a 121-place integrated children’s facility providing long day care, kindergarten, maternal and child health and allied health services.
The project forms part of the Early Years Infrastructure Renewal program in response to the introduction of three-year-old kindergarten in South Gippsland and increased demand for these services in our region.
“The learning of young people, especially the early years, is something very close to my heart after being a kindergarten teacher for many years,” Mayor Cr Mohya Davies said.
“This project is a major investment in the future of our young people that will no doubt be welcomed by families from across the Shire.
“I commend the council staff and construction company Kubale Construction Pty Ltd for being part of this project.”
The project is expected to cost approximately $5 million: $2.37 million in state government funding from the Department of Education’s Building Blocks
Early Years Infrastructure Grants and the remaining $3 million covered by council.
The Leongatha Early Learning Centre is targeted to be completed in late 2022.
This is fantastic news. However, what about the other early learning centres scattered across the Shire that are at capacity? That are functioning with minimal room to host the new extended hours. That are doing their best with minimal indoor space and inadequate facilities? These centres on the outskirts of the Shire have been been requesting funding for years now. As usual all the funding gets prioritised to the major towns and the country children are yet again at a disadvantage as Council and State Government invest in the future of the children living in town. Congratulations!