WORK STARTS ON GOWANBRAE'S CHILDREN’S CENTRE
Building works are set to start on a new centre to give Moreland children a better start to life, Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Maxine Morand said today.
Ms Morand today turned the first sod for works to begin on a $3.6 million community and children’s centre in Gowanbrae, in Moreland’s newest suburb.
“This new community and children’s centre is another example of the Brumby Labor Government working with local government and the community to give children the best start in life,” Ms Morand said.
“This new centre, funded by the Brumby Labor Government and the City of Moreland, will cater to the suburb’s growing population, which is experiencing a big baby boom.”
Ms Morand said the Brumby Labor Government was providing $500,000 to the project, with Moreland City Council contributing $3.1 million.
The Victorian Government has pledged $47.4 million for 98 children’s centres as part of its commitment to ensuring Victorian children enjoy the best start in life.
“The new Moreland centre will feature a multipurpose community room for playgroups, social gatherings, exercise classes, committee meetings and parent groups” Ms Morand said
“It will also provide a 30-place long day care facility for children aged three to five years, a 30-place kindergarten and a maternal and child health centre.”
Member for Pascoe Vale, Christine Campbell said once built, the centre would provide integrated services families may need to help raise young children.
“We know that what happens to children in their early years has a profound impact on their future health, development, education and social wellbeing throughout their whole lives,” she said.
“That is why providing the very best children’s services for our children is our Government’s priority.”