INCLUSIVE: A new, inclusive playground at Goroke Kindergarten is officially open. Featuring a basket swing, trampoline and wet-pour rubber surface, it gives children a modern and accessible space to play, connect and learn. Department of Education’s Building Blocks Inclusion Grant program gave $197,900 to the project, while the Goroke Parent Advisory Group contributed $2000. West Wimmera Shire Council Mayor Tim Meyer, pictured with director corporate and community services Dalton Burns, said the upgraded playground formed part of council’s ongoing commitment to supporting accessible and inclusive early childhood facilities across West Wimmera Shire.
Goroke childcare design feedback
10 June 2026
By Bronwyn Hastings
Early investigations into childcare at Goroke are underway, after it was nominated as a priority by families and a key focus in West Wimmera Shire Council’s 2025-29 plan.
The council is inviting community feedback to gauge interest and inform the planning process, and will seek funding through the Federal Government’s Building Early Education Fund.
Early concept-design work focuses on expanding and upgrading the Goroke Kindergarten site to support an integrated early learning facility, accommodating a combined kindergarten and long daycare service for children aged from birth to five years.
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INCLUSIVE: A new, inclusive playground at Goroke Kindergarten is officially open. Featuring a basket swing, trampoline and wet-pour rubber surface, it gives children a modern and accessible space to play, connect and learn. Department of Education’s Building Blocks Inclusion Grant program gave $197,900 to the project, while the Goroke Parent Advisory Group contributed $2000. West Wimmera Shire Council Mayor Tim Meyer, pictured with director corporate and community services Dalton Burns, said the upgraded playground formed part of council’s ongoing commitment to supporting accessible and inclusive early childhood facilities across West Wimmera Shire.
The design includes a childcare wing, with a childcare room, infant sleep room, children’s lunch area, junior bathroom facilities, a sensory space to support inclusive learning, and additional storage, laundry and support areas.
The council is also in the early stages of exploring operating models for the service, as well as upgrades to the existing kindergarten building.
The upgrades include refreshed internal finishes such as new flooring, lighting, heating and cooling improvements, painting and minor refurbishment works, as well as improved staff amenities and dedicated staff and educator break areas.
Outdoor and site improvements form part of the concept planning, including new covered outdoor play areas for both kindergarten and childcare spaces, a new outdoor storage shed, and updated fencing to support safe and secure play environments.
Additional parking is also being considered, including accessible parking with compliant pathways. Upgrades to essential services, such as wastewater systems and stormwater infrastructure, are also included within the concept.
The concept plans will support the council in understanding feasibility, informing future decision-making and strengthening any potential funding applications should the project progress.
Council chief executive David Bezuidenhout said access to childcare continued to be an important issue for families across the region.
“Access to childcare plays a vital role in supporting local families, workforce participation and the long-term sustainability of rural communities,” he said.
“Council is committed to exploring what may be possible for Goroke, while ensuring the community is informed and involved throughout the process.
“The survey will help council understand local demand, needs and priorities, while also helping shape early service design considerations and ensuring any future development reflects the needs of the Goroke community.”
Mr Bezuidenhout said community feedback would be critical to the investigation process.
“We know childcare is an important issue for many families across the shire,” he said.
“It is important this work reflects the needs of Goroke families.”
The community survey is now open; it takes about five minutes to complete and is available online at forms.gle/LQxNgB3f8sCCEJY89.
The council will provide further updates to the community as investigations progress. People can contact West Wimmera Shire Council on 13 99 72 for more information.
The entire June 10, 2026 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
