A new kindergarten at Werribee will help meet growing demand for early years and family services in the region.
The Ballan Road Early Years Hub has been granted $1.6 million by the state government to build three new kindergarten rooms, which will provide places for up to 297 enrolments.
It will also offer maternal and child health services, occasional care, and family services.
And the integrated centre will specialise in providing culturally appropriate support for Aboriginal families.
A site has been earmarked on land owned by the Department of Education and Training, next to the Wyndham Aboriginal Community Centre.
Werribee MP Tim Pallas said the children’s hub would offer families flexible, accessible and affordable services.
“This is an investment in our future, which will help meet the growing demand for kindergarten places in Werribee, so our children can get a strong start in life,” he said.
“Families will benefit from improved ratios, which will allow more one-on-one time for every child and boost the value they receive from time spent at kindergarten in preparation for school.”
Wyndham council chief executive Kelly Grigsby said the hub was much needed.
“Wyndham is the fastest growing municipality in Victoria, and this growth is continuing,” she said.
“In October, we had a record number of births, with 405 babies being born. In any week, over 80 babies are born. That’s four prep classrooms a week.”
She said the council will work with residents and all levels of government to ensure communities have access to children’s services.
