Photo: Get Lifestyle

Minister for Early Childhood Education Jenny Mikakos today turned the first sod of the new $5.5 million integrated children’s centre at Bellaire Primary School, fulfilling an Andrews Labor Government election promise.

When complete, the Highton Early Learning Centre will provide kindergarten places for 30 three-year-olds and 99 four-year-olds.

The Labor Government provided $1.6 million for the project through the Children’s Facilities and Capital Grants program, with the City of Greater Geelong contributing the remaining $3.9 million.

The project includes Maternal and Child Health services along with other consulting services, a large multipurpose community space, an outdoor play area, a central foyer, toilets and a carpark.

Brand Architects will design the new kinder facilities in consultation with locals and children, while local company Lyons Construction Pty Ltd will take on the building works.

The Labor Government has invested a record $123.6 million to build, expand and improve early years infrastructure across Victoria to ensure local families can continue to access great local kindergartens.

Highton families will also benefit from the Government’s $202.1 million Education State Early Childhood Reform Plan, announced in the Victorian Budget 2017/18.

This reform plan recognises the importance of providing families with strong support in early childhood, so kids are ready for kinder, ready for school and ready for life.

It will mean local parents can access improved parenting support and Maternal and Child Health services, as well as higher quality and more inclusive kindergartens.