Families in Alexandra and surrounding communities are a step closer to having greater access to early childhood education and care, with Alexandra Primary School announced as the proposed location for a new Early Learning Victoria centre.
The Victorian Government-owned centre is scheduled to open in 2029 and will be operated by Early Learning Victoria. It will offer long day care and integrated 3- and 4-Year-Old Kinder programs, with capacity for up to 102 children each day. Plans also include outdoor play areas, car parking and space for child and family services, including maternal and child health, playgroups and allied health.
The site announcement follows years of planning and advocacy by Murrindindi Shire Council for improved early years infrastructure in Alexandra and across the Shire.
Council's early years infrastructure review identified capacity challenges at Alexandra's kindergarten and childcare facilities, prompting ongoing advocacy to the Victorian Government for additional early years infrastructure to meet demand. In February 2025, Council also sought an update on planning and community consultation for the proposed Alexandra facility, highlighting the impact limited childcare options were having on local families and employers. Council also developed an Early Years Education Workforce Plan to address challenges in attracting, recruiting and retaining early years workers. Limited access to childcare and housing has also affected the ability of local businesses to attract and retain workers.
Cr Sandice McAulay, Economic Development, Local Jobs and Skills portfolio councillor, said the confirmation of the site was welcome news for Alexandra families.
"This is an important step forward for families in Alexandra and the surrounding district. Knowing the centre will be located at Alexandra Primary School gives our community greater certainty about this important investment in early years services.
"Council has advocated strongly for investment in early childhood infrastructure because access to childcare affects so many parts of community life, from giving children a great start to supporting parents and carers to participate in the workforce.
"We're particularly pleased to see plans for child and family services alongside early learning and childcare. Having services such as maternal and child health and allied health available as part of the centre has the potential to make it easier for local families to access the support they need."
The Victorian School Building Authority will manage planning, design and construction of the new centre, while Early Learning Victoria will operate the service. Further updates will be provided as the design is finalised.
Early Learning Victoria has advised that it will work with stakeholders on local engagement, including enrolment promotion, workforce planning and integration with local services and the community.
The new centre forms part of the Victorian Government's Best Start, Best Life reforms, which include the establishment of government-owned and operated Early Learning Victoria centres.
