Hobsons Bay City Council will receive $600,000 from a state government Building Blocks Infrastructure grant to expand the Newport Gardens Early Years Centre to accommodate an extra 33 places for three-year-old kindergarten in 2022.
The Newport Gardens Early Years Centre, managed by ECMS, is an integrated, inclusive and collaborative early years' service that provides access to high quality early learning programs and children's and family services on the Newport Gardens Primary School site.
Services include education and care programs, early intervention Yooralla services, maternal and child health, toy library, supported playgroups, family support programs as well as supporting a seamless transition for children from preschool to primary school.
As noted by Mayor of Hobsons Bay Councillor Jonathon Marsden
"Today's announcement is wonderful news for families here in Newport. Being the father of a three-year-old, I feel strongly about the importance of education in the early years to give our little ones the best possible chance at succeeding in life.
"To be able to expand the Newport Gardens Early Years Centre to accommodate three-year-old kindergarten will ensure families and children in Hobsons Bay have access to high quality education and care programs.
"Importantly, having three-year-old kinder as part of our integrated, inclusive and collaborative service at the centre really goes a long way in supporting a seamless transition for children from preschool to primary school, specifically, at Newport Gardens Primary School, located on site.
"On behalf of Hobsons Bay City Council I would like to extend my thanks to the Victorian Government for this funding. It certainly brings some positivity at the tail end of a very challenging year for our local families."
