Last Wednesday I had the pleasure of visiting the wonderful staff and students
at the Apex Preschool Centre in Elliminyt to announce funding boosts to early
childhood services. ‘I have happy tears rolling down my cheeks’, was the
response from one kindergarten staff member when I passed on the news. Another
staff member said, ‘This is extremely important to us’.
As part of the $10.7 million program, four Colac Otway shire
kindergartens will receive funding. Apex Preschool Centre will receive just
under $94 000; the Apollo Bay Preschool will receive $26 000; the Colac East
Kindergarten will receive $90 000; and the Wydinia kindergarten will receive
just over $8700.
Earlier in the day, and further west in the electorate, I
visited the South Warrnambool Kindergarten, which received a $60 000 grant to
extend its existing multipurpose room. I particularly wish to thank the parents
and committee members who attended the announcement. I also wish to thank them
for their tireless fundraising efforts.
The Brumby Labor government’s grants further enable the
integration of additional supports and programs to enhance positive outcomes for
all children at Victorian kindergartens. They provide a morale boost to all the
adults, whether they are parents or teachers, involved in each of the
kindergartens. I would also like to congratulate and thank each kindergarten for
its wonderful contribution to early childhood development and I sincerely thank
them for their ongoing efforts.