Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today officially opened the upgraded Merri Kindergarten.
Ms Tierney was joined by Mayor of Moyne Shire, Cr Colin Ryan, in congratulating the wider Purnim community on their support for this local project.
The $549,111 redevelopment has funded the renovating of the one-room kindergarten, and the construction of an additional room, allowing the centre to offer an extra 24 places for the four-year-old kindergarten program and 8 places for three-year-old kindergarten.
The kindergarten also now has a new children’s bathroom, kitchen and office areas.
The Victorian Government contributed $350,000 towards the centre’s upgrade. The Moyne Shire Council contributed $119,111.
As part of the commitment to make Victoria the Education State, the Government is delivering up to $83.7 million over four years to support the implementation of improved educator-to-child ratios.
The improved ratios are allowing staff to give more individual care and attention, and to develop even more meaningful relationships with kids, leading to better social and learning outcomes.
The Victorian Government is also investing $50 million in the early childhood sector through the building and upgrading of kindergartens and children’s centres.
Infrastructure projects such as these ensure local children’s services have the space and flexibility they need to deliver 15 hours of kindergarten alongside a range of other vital early years programs.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney
“The Andrews Labor Government is making Victoria the Education State – which means strengthening our early childhood education services to give every child the best start in
life.”
“This renovation is a great outcome for the families of Purnim by providing flexible
program spaces for the youngest of our residents.”