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

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett officially turned the first sod to mark the start of construction at the Early Learning Victoria Avoca (interim name) in Avoca on Friday 20 February.

The new kindergarten, located next to Avoca 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, Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and Pre-Prep programs, with space for up to 57 local children in the centre each day.

From 2026, Four-Year-Old Kindergarten will transition to Pre-Prep in the Pyrenees Shire, with children eligible to receive 16 to 20 hours of Pre-Prep. Construction is due to be completed in Q1 2027.

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 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.

Through our nation-leading $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms, 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 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.” 

Quotes attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“Avoca families have not had a local childcare option before. They’ve had to leave town or rely on family or friends to help with their little ones.”

“So many parents raised this issue with me, and I fought hard to fix it. I’m so proud we’re now building the very first childcare centre next to Avoca primary school.”

“Having it next to the school will help our littlest locals to transition to prep and avoid the double drop-off for families.”