St Arnaud Early Learning Centre will have a brand new play space to coincide with the launch of its State Government-funded three-year-old kinder program this year.

Work on the redevelopment, which will blend existing and new play areas and provide natural spaces for kids to experience and enjoy all kinds of nature-based play experiences, started last week.

St Arnaud Early Learning Centre parent fundraising committee is contributing $20,000 towards the project.

The committee was also successful in receiving two shade grants for the space and contributed to planning design costs.

Northern Grampians Shire Council will fund the rest of the project and has committed to use local contractors where possible to carry out the works.

Northern Grampians Shire Council mayor Murray Emerson said the municipality was lucky to be included in the first six shires to offer the three-year-old-kinder program, from January 30.

“This new space will complement the new three-year-old program, and council thanks the parent committee for their tireless work in making this happen,” he said.

“The roll-out of funded three-year-old kinder will provide a fantastic educational base for our next generation and relieve some of the financial pressures on families when it comes to early childhood education.

“Council is confident our kindergartens are well-equipped and prepared for what is shaping up to be a very popular program in the region. 

“Centres have set up new rooms, ordered new equipment and new qualified educators have been hired.”

The entire January 15, 2020 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!