Ararat Rural City Council is pleased to announce the completion of refurbishment works at Jack and Jill Kindergarten in Ararat, with children and educators now returning to a refreshed learning environment.
The upgrade delivers a more contemporary space that better reflects the expectations of local families and the broader kindergarten community.
The upgrade included a full refresh of the main classroom, kitchen, children's bathroom, sensory room, foyer, and staff areas, with new vinyl flooring, repainting, and energy‑efficient LED lighting throughout.
The project also delivered improved insulation for better temperature control, an upgraded accessible toilet, new doors and hardware to improve safety and privacy, and widened access to the western yard.
The improvement project focused on updating an ageing facility so it can continue to support the delivery of high quality early years education. The building at 19 Robsons Lane was originally constructed in 1985, and Council identified the need to modernise the site so it remains fit for purpose as attendance increases under the Victorian Government's Best Start, Best Life reforms.
Ararat Rural City Council Chief Executive Officer, Dr Tim Harrison, said he was pleased to see the project delivered so efficiently. "In less than six weeks, we have been able to complete these works and get children and educators back into Jack and Jill, which is a fantastic outcome for our community," Dr Harrison said. "We know that any disruption to kindergarten routines can be challenging, and I want to sincerely thank families, staff, and the kindergarten community for their patience and cooperation while this upgrade was carried out."
Dr Harrison said the refurbishment was another example of Council working in partnership with the Victorian Government to plan for future kindergarten demand. "As more children take up 30 hours of Pre‑Prep, we need facilities that are comfortable, welcoming, and ready to support longer days of learning and play," he said.
Council will continue to advocate for further investment in early years infrastructure so that facilities across the municipality can keep pace with community needs.
