Young families in Wangaratta will now have access to a range of children’s services in one convenient location thanks to a $850,000 Brumby Government funding boost to establish the Wangaratta Children’s Services Centre.
As part of Children’s Week, Children and Early Childhood Development Minister Maxine Morand today officially opened the Wangaratta Children’s Services Centre.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to help Victorian families by investing significantly in early years centres which will provide parents with a comprehensive range of services,’’ Ms Morand said.
“The development of this centre will be great news for the local community which is in the midst of a baby boom.
“In the Rural City of Wangaratta, 333 babies were born last year, and the birth rate in the area has increased by 8.8 per cent over the past five years.
“The new centre will provide 52 long day care, 30 kinder places, maternal and children health services, family day care, officers for the North East Regional Playgroup Association Cluster, centre management and a community meeting room.
"The new centre will provide 52 long day care, 30 kinder places, maternal and children health services."
“Integrated facilities provide a diverse range of services that are very important in supporting the health and development of children and making access to those services more convenient for families.’’
Member for Northern Victoria Candy Broad MP, representing Community Development Minister Peter Batchelor, said the Wangaratta Children’s Services Centre will be of great news for the local community.
“Wangaratta’s baby boom makes the services offered by the Wangaratta Children’s Services Centre vital to ensure families are supported to enable their child to thrive learn and grow,’’ Ms Broad said.
Ms Morand said the Rural City of Wangarratta contributed $800,000 to the centre’s development.
“The Wangaratta Children’s Services Centre is a great example of strong partnerships between the Brumby Government and local government to provide facilities to give children the best possible start in life,’' Ms Morand said.
The Brumby Government has committed to building 40 children’s centres across the state over four years as part of its $38.56 million boost to early childhood.