The Victorian Government is investing in the early childhood sector and building new children’s facilities to support families and give kids the best start in life.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney today joined Cr Colin Ryan, Mayor of Moyne Shire, to officially open the Port Fairy Community Services Centre extension.
Mr Tierney said that a $405,355 investment in the centre had resulted in an additional 12 places in its four-year-old kindergarten program, and 99 extra places in its long day care
program.
The centre expanded its indoor playspace, increasing the licensed capacity of the centre by 24 places.
The outside play area was also expanded, and new storage areas and bathroom facilities were built.
Mr Tierney congratulated the Moyne Shire and a group of passionate Port Fairy families for their support for this vital local project. The Victorian Government contributed $304,016 towards the centre’s upgrade. The Moyne Shire contributed $101,339 to the project.
As part of the commitment to make Victoria the Education State, the Andrews Labor Government is delivering up to $83.7 million to help kinders transition to improved staff-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.
In the Victorian Budget 2016/17, the Labor Government also delivered a further $10 million to build early childhood facilities Victoria’s fastest-growing areas to ensure Victoria’s long-term early education and care capital needs are met.
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.”
“The completion of this project is a win for the families and children of Port Fairy. More local children to reap the benefits of quality early years education and care.”
“This investment reflects the Andrews Labor Government’s commitment to enhancing early childhood education and care services and to forming great partnerships with local
government, the community sector and parents.”