Tara Murray
Deer Park West Kindergarten’s expansion is one step closer with the state government allocating $750,000 to the redevelopment.
The funding will be used to help build a one-room modular to meet the growing demand for places.
Brimbank mayor Ranka Rasic welcomed the Department of Education and Training contribution of $750,000 through the Building Blocks grant stream, adding to council’s $606,000 commitment to the project.
Cr Rasic and Kororoit MP Marlene Kairouz both visited the centre late last month.
“There is huge demand for places at Deer Park West Kindergarten which is already operating at capacity, and this funding will help us create an additional modular room for another 33 children to attend,” Cr Rasic said.
“Attending kindergarten is a crucial part of every child’s play, development and learning.
“Demand for kindergarten places is growing across Brimbank, and that will continue to increase with the universal roll out of three-year-old kindergarten.
“This investment will help us meet the short-term need for additional places as we work with the Department of Education and Training (DET) to develop and agree on the Kindergarten Infrastructure and Service Plan that will address long-term needs both at Deer Park West and across Brimbank.”
Kindergarten committee president Melissa Loschiavo, together with all the educators, welcomed the announcement.
“This will be a fantastic benefit to the families in our community, especially as we plan for three-year-old funded program to begin in 2022.”
Construction of the additional modular room at Deer Park West Kindergarten is planned for completion in January 2022.
