Minister for Families and Children, Jenny Mikakos, today joined local MP Bronwyn Halfpenny and City of Whittlesea Mayor Ricky Kirkham to open the Galada Community Centre in the heart of Epping’s Aurora Estate.
The new $7.1 million centre includes three kindergarten rooms and a maternal and child health centre together with a hall and meeting spaces for other community services.
Infrastructure projects such as these ensure local children’s services have the space and flexibility they need to deliver 15 hours of kindergarten per week together with a range of other vital early years programs.
The Andrews Labor Government continues to call on Tony Abbott to provide ongoing funding for 15 hours of kindergarten, and end the uncertainty affecting kindergartens and families with young children.
The Productivity Commission recently found that 15 hours of kindergarten is essential to boosting preschool participation, supporting children’s development and improving school readiness. It recommended the Federal Government should continue to provide funding for four-year-old kindergarten.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children, Jenny Mikakos
“This fantastic new centre caters to the whole community, providing quality services to children, young families and senior citizens.”
“Bringing services together into a convenient one-stop community hub makes sense for families and children.”
“15 hours of kindergarten makes a real difference to how children develop and grow, and to how they fare at school.”
“Tony Abbott must end the funding uncertainty and ensure Victorian families can continue to access 15 hours of kindergarten beyond this year.”
Quotes attributable to member for Thomastown, Bronwyn Halfpenny
“This is a wonderful facility for local families, linking a variety of important children’s services under one roof.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020