Monash Council has officially opened Dorrington Child and Family Hub, an early years facility offering Mount Waverley families kindergarten programs, playgroup rooms, spaces for hire and access to Council's sleep and settling service.
Located at 7 Dorrington Drive, Mount Waverley, this exciting new early years centre is the result of a successful partnership between Council and the Victorian Government through the Building Blocks Partnership, with the Victorian Government contributing $4.5 million and Council $2.4 million.
Vibrant artworks by Wurundjeri and Yorta Yorta artist Simone Thomson welcome visitors to the hub, which features the spacious two-room Dorrington Kindergarten. Operated by Y Kinders, the new kindergarten provides 66 places to meet the growing needs of the local community.
With a parents' lounge, four new baby rooms, and a serene outdoor space, the hub is also home to the Monash lactation support and sleep and settling services, where new parents can access expert guidance, family-centred care and support.
The space is complemented by a light-filled multipurpose room with a secure outdoor area, available for community playgroups and casual bookings. Outside, the grounds are shaded by mature native trees embracing the local character of Mount Waverley.
Completed in January 2025, Dorrington Child and Family Hub is the fourth early years centre delivered in the City of Monash, following award-winning facilities at Wellington (2022), Pinewood (2023) and Oakleigh South (2024) Child and Family Hubs. It caps off 10 kindergarten and early years upgrades delivered by Council in partnership with the Victorian Government over the past four years.
At the official opening on 8 May 2025, Monash Mayor, Cr Paul Klisaris emphasised Council's ongoing commitment to making early childhood facilities more convenient for local families.
"We're proud to make life easier for Monash parents by delivering spaces where families can access support and build ongoing relationships with nurses, playgroups and kinder educators, close to their homes and under the one roof. I thank the Victorian Government for their support in delivering this outstanding facility for our community," Cr Klisaris said.
Designed by architects AOA Christopher Peck and built by 2Construct, the building incorporates a wide range of environmentally sustainable design features, including rainwater harvesting, solar panels, carbon-neutral and locally manufactured bricks featuring recycled glass, and materials that improve the thermal efficiency of the building.
Other recent upgrades completed in 2024-25 include new facilities at Ward Avenue Kindergarten and Dover Street Preschool, and an extensive upgrade and expansion of Ashwood Memorial Kindergarten.
