The Allan Labor Government is giving more children the best start in life, with building work at a brand-new Early Learning Centre in Clunes now underway – providing more local families access to a high-quality education program close to home.

Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett today officially turned the first sod at the Early Learning Centre in Clunes.

The new Early Learning Centre, located next to Clunes Primary School will have outdoor play areas, a maternal and child health consulting room, and a carpark. It will also have a community room for meetings and playgroup.

The centre will provide long day care and Three- and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten programs with space for up to 102 local children each day and is forecast to finish construction The project is on time with building completion expected in late 2025, ahead of the centre opening in 2026.

Positioning kindergartens on or close to schools supports children to get the most out of their early learning, makes drop-off more convenient for busy parents and carers, and helps with a smoother transition to primary school.

This centre is one of 50 early learning and childcare centres that will share in approximately $14 billion as part of the Victorian Government’s Best Start, Best Life reform.

The Labor Government is investing billions to build and expand hundreds of kindergartens across the state, supporting the delivery of 15 hours of three-year-old kindergarten each week by 2029 and up to 30 hours of Pre-Prep each week by 2036.

The Labor Government is transforming early childhood education to help children thrive, save families money and support parents and carers to return to work or study if they choose.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn

“We’re delivering unprecedented investment in early childhood services so our children can get the most out of great local kindergartens.”

“We’re proud to be funding early childhood infrastructure because we know how important the early years are in setting our kids up for the rest of their lives.” 

Quote attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“The brand-new Clunes Early Leaning Centre will give local kids the very best start in life. It will also save families up to $2,600 per child each year with more free kinder hours available. It’s a win-win for our community.”