The Andrews Labor Government is helping more Dandenong families access kindergarten closer to home through a major investment in children’s centre infrastructure.

The Government is investing $13.5 million in capital funding to establish nine new standalone early learning facilities, including Yarraman Oaks Primary School in Noble Park, allowing them to deliver vital kindergarten programs for local children in the year before school.

Yarraman Oaks Primary School will receive $650,000 to build the New Early Learning Facility.

A further 12 existing children’s centres will receive up to $350,000 to significantly upgrade and extend their facilities to meet demand for programs and enrich their learning environment. These upgrades include building new children’s rooms, as well as consulting rooms to bring family support services on site, and spaces for use by playgroups and the wider community.

These grants will help give local families flexible, accessible and affordable early learning and care services. They form part of the Government’s $60 million investment in the early childhood sector through the building and upgrading of kindergartens and children’s centres.

All Victorian children should be able to enjoy the lifelong benefits that quality early years education and care provide. Through these investments, we are delivering infrastructure to areas with the strongest demand for high-quality early education and care services.

The Government is making Victoria the Education State – this starts with giving every child a strong start in life.

Quotes attributable to Gabrielle Williams, Member for Dandenong

“Investments like this will pay enormous dividends to local families for years to come.”

“High-quality early years education and care is vital to giving every child the best start in life. That’s why this Government is transforming early childhood services.”

“The Andrews Labor Government is building the Education State in some of Victoria’s fastest growing areas. We’re ensuring that children have access to early childhood services no matter where they live.”