CHILDREN at the YMCA (Y Victoria) Early Learning Centre in Epping North were all smiles at the unveiling of their upgraded play spaces, thanks to the Victorian Government’s Building Blocks Grants.
Local Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny joined Y Victoria Chief Executive Carolyn Morris in the morning tea and celebration of the stunning $87,700 upgrade.
Ms Morris thanked the Victorian Government for funding the works that were informed by the children themselves.
“Our children voted unanimously that they wanted to retain the chickens and that an upgraded chicken coop needed to be factored into the upgrade,” they said.
“They love learning about them and having the chooks around.
“We now have a new chicken coop, new pergola and concreting, plus shade sails and general improvements to safety outdoors, which has transformed this outdoor space for our children and educators to enjoy.”
In addition to this grant, the Victorian Government has just announced its latest round of the Building Blocks Inclusion Grants.
More than $150,000 is allocated to Y Victoria early learning centres to support inclusive equipment for children of all abilities.
Ms Morris confirmed $11,092 of this funding will be allocated to the centre in Epping North.
“This additional funding earmarked for inclusion and IT resources will further boost the opportunities for the children of all abilities to participate in child-centred learning,” she said.
