- New Katanning Early Childhood Hub on track to improve access to essential services for families in the Great Southern
- The hub will deliver an early learning centre with 67 long-daycare places, a family centre, and child health offices once operational
- Project being delivered under the Early Years Partnership, which is a collaboration between the Cook Labor Government, Minderoo Foundation, The Kids Research Institute Australia, and the local community
- Cook Government investing in education and early childhood development
The construction of a new early childhood hub in Katanning is well underway to improve access to essential services for families in the Great Southern town.
The Cook Government has invested $7.3 million towards the Katanning Early Childhood Hub, with Minderoo Foundation contributing an additional $2.2 million.
Once operational, the hub will deliver an early learning centre with 67 long-daycare places, a family centre, and child health offices, including space for visiting child development and family support services. It is anticipated to be complete in the first half of 2027.
The hub is one of 24 priority projects under the Early Years Partnership (EYP), which is a collaboration between the Cook Government, Minderoo Foundation, The Kids Research Institute Australia, and the communities of Armadale West, Bidyadanga, Central Great Southern, and Derby.
It aims to improve the development, health, and learning of children aged 0-4 years across the four partner communities.
In 2023, the Early Years Community Plan, Koort Boodja Moortabin (Children Growing Strong) identified the completion of the Early Years Hub and co-location of services as a priority for the region.
The development of the hub builds on several other projects that have been delivered in the Central Great Southern under the EYP, including a transport service to support families and children to attend early learning, child development, and health services.
Lotterywest and the Shire of Katanning have also made financial contributions towards the hub.
The EYP forms part of the Cook Government's commitment to building thriving communities and delivering quality services for Western Australian children and families.
As stated by Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton:
"Ensuring all Western Australian families have access to high-quality early childhood education and care is a priority for the Cook Labor Government.
"As Early Childhood Minister, I know families will benefit hugely from having one location at which they can access a range of co-ordinated family and child services.
"The new transport service in the Central Great Southern is also supporting children and families to attend early learning, child health, and development services and once operational, the Katanning Hub.
"This is another fantastic example of what can be achieved through the Early Years Partnership, by enabling communities to lead their own development based on their unique needs.
"I acknowledge that this is a long-awaited project for the community, and I'm so pleased to see the Early Years Partnership back this long-held community vision and make it a reality."
As stated by Minderoo Foundation Communities executive director Penny Dakin:
"Every child deserves the chance to thrive, and this starts with strong foundations. Purpose-built spaces and local services are essential to making this possible.
"We're proud to stand alongside the State Government in supporting Katanning's new Early Childhood Hub. If Western Australia is to give every child the best start in life, we must nurture potential and foster inclusion through well-designed infrastructure and culturally responsive services that strengthen families and communities.
"This hub is a powerful example of what can be achieved when community, government, and philanthropy work together through the Early Years Partnership."
