- Minister for Education
The local Mallacoota community are invited to have their say on the new kindergarten after the old building suffered significant damage during the bushfires.
Minister for Education James Merlino and Member for Eastern Victoria Jane Garrett today opened community consultation to find out what the community wants in their new kindergarten.
The Victorian Government has worked with East Gippsland Shire Council and Mallacoota P-12 College to develop two options – rebuilding the kindergarten on the existing Greer Street site, or creating a larger two-room modular facility at Mallacoota P-12 College.
Both options include high-quality fit-for-purpose facilities with outdoor play spaces and landscaping.
The Victorian Government has partnered with key stakeholders including the East Gippsland Shire Council, the service provider, the Parents Advisory Group and Mallacoota P-12 College to deliver the new kindergarten options.
The Victorian Government has provided $2.5 million to establish or reinstate a purpose-built kindergarten building in Mallacoota, as soon as possible. Families at Mallacoota Kindergarten will also be eligible for a bushfire Kindergarten Fee Subsidy so local children can attend Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs for free.
Additional financial assistance has also been provided to the service to support the delivery of the kindergarten program, including replacing damaged toys and books and engaging additional staff.
In an Australian-first, the Victorian Government has committed nearly $5 billion to deliver a full 15 hours of Three-Year-Old Kinder to every Victorian child over this decade, with the roll-out already underway. East Gippsland Shire will receive up to 15 hours of Three and Four-Year-Old Kinder from next year.
The consultation period begins on Tuesday June 2 and will run until Tuesday June 16. Members of the community can have their say by visiting: engage.vic.gov.au/mallacoota-kindergarten-rebuild
Community members can also complete the survey over the phone, or request a hard copy and a self-addressed envelope from the Victorian School Building Authority on 1800 896 950.
As stated by Minister for Education James Merlino
“We want families and the local community to let us know what’s important to them in building the new Mallacoota kindergarten.”
“These bushfires have devastated many communities in Victoria and we’re doing everything we can to support our kinder-aged children and their families.”
As noted by Member for Eastern Victoria Jane Garrett
“Delivering a new kindergarten for Mallacoota will ensure local families can access good quality education in their community.”
