Three kindergartens across the City of Whittlesea are set to receive major upgrades.
A $13 million contribution from the State Government, combined with additional funding from the City of Whittlesea, will enable council to upgrade and redevelop the Dalton Road Kindergarten in Thomastown, Derby Meadows Preschool in Epping, and The Stables Kindergarten in Mill Park.
The Stables Kindergarten will be rebuilt as a two-room facility, opening in early 2027.
Offering up to 118 kindergarten places, the new centre will feature a modern learning space and brand-new outdoor play area.
The redevelopments at Dalton Road Kindergarten and Derby Meadows Preschool will create integrated early-years facilities, combining both kindergarten and maternal and child health services.
By early 2028, each centre will provide up to 118 kindergarten places, enhancing access and outcomes for more children and families.
Earlier this month, City of Whittlesea Chief Executive Craig Lloyd joined Member for Mill Park Lily D’Ambrosio to announce a contribution for The Stables Kindergarten and Derby Meadows Preschool.
The announcement was followed by another at Dalton Road Kindergarten on December 12, where Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny confirmed an additional contribution for Dalton Road Kindergarten.
The projects are part of the $24.25 million Building Blocks Partnership between the Victorian Government and the City of Whittlesea. They also align with the Best Start, Best Life reform, which seeks to expand kindergartens across Victoria, address population growth, and enhance access to affordable early childhood education.
City of Whittlesea Mayor Councillor Aidan McLindon said the upgrades would provide families with more local enrolment options.
“These upgrades will give more children access to early learning opportunities close to home, providing them with a strong foundation for their future,” he said.
“It will also help ease cost-of-living pressures for families by creating more local kindergarten places, supporting parents who want to return to work or study.
“We appreciate the Victorian Government’s local investment for City of Whittlesea families.”
For more information on the redevelopments, visit www.whittlesea.vic.gov.au/majorprojects.
