- Published:
- Thursday 1 February 2018
More families living in Ballarat can now access quality local kindergarten services thanks to the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Early Childhood Education Jenny Mikakos today visited Iris Ramsay Kindergarten in Redan to officially open the centre’s exciting new upgrade.
The $522,235 upgrade replaced a temporary building with a new, top-of-the-line kindergarten room, and built a new lobby, playroom and new accessible entrances.
The upgrade was fully funded by the Labor Government – fulfilling a key election commitment. It means Iris Ramsay Kindergarten – which first opened in 1945 – can provide three and four-year-old kinder programs for up to 44 children every day.
Ballarat-based firms Morton Dunn Architects and Fixed Maintenance builders designed and built the upgrade.
The Labor Government is delivering a record $74 million to build, expand and upgrade kinders across Victoria to ensure local families continue to have access to great local kindergartens.
Ballarat families are also benefiting from the Labor Government’s $202.1 million Education State Early Childhood Reform Plan, launched last year.
The ground-breaking plan recognises the importance of providing families with strong support in early childhood, so kids are ready for kinder and ready for school.
It will mean local parents can access better parenting support and Maternal and Child Health Services, as well as higher-quality, more inclusive kindergartens.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education Jenny Mikakos
“We know that access to quality local early childhood services like those at Iris Ramsey Kindergarten give kids a better start in life.”
“We’re delivering an unprecedented investment in early childhood services to support children and families across Victoria, including right here in Ballarat.”
Quote attributable to Member for Wendouree Sharon Knight
“This is a first-rate facility that’s a huge win for local families and their little ones. I’m delighted kids at Iris Ramsay are going to be learning in a top-notch facility.”