Member for Ripon Martha Haylett joined Ararat Rural City Council Mayor Bob Sanders last month to reopen the refurbished Jack and Jill Kindergarten in Ararat.

Cr Sanders and Ms Haylett toured the refurbished facility, with works including an upgraded kitchen and children’s bathroom, a new sensory room, updated foyer and staff areas, featuring new vinyl flooring, repainting and upgraded energy-efficient LED lighting.

The project also included an upgraded accessible toilet, new doors and hardware to improve safety and privacy, improved insulation for better temperature control and improved access to an outside play area.

The council prioritised upgrades for Jack and Jill Kindergarten, built in 1985, to ensure the facility was capable of supporting high-quality early-childhood education.

The modernised building will also accommodate a growing number of enrolments driven by the State Government’s Best Start, Best Life reforms.

The State Government provided $745,000 for the project through its Building Blocks Grant program, with the council contributing $76,000.

“It’s wonderful to see the transformation of this space,” Cr Sanders said.

“With some of my own children and grandchildren having gone through this kinder, I know firsthand the quality of education it provides.

“It’s fantastic that these upgrades will keep that going for years to come.”

Cr Sanders said the council would continue to advocate for further State Government investment in early-years infrastructure so facilities across the municipality kept pace with community needs.

People can read more about the council’s advocacy priorities online at www.ararat.vic.gov.au/advocacy.

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