Construction has begun on a centre for Burnside and Caroline Springs families that will welcome more than 80 children a day through its doors.
The state government will chip in $1.6 million for the Burnside Children’s and Community Centre, adding to $2.88 million from Melton council.
The centre will provide 165 three-year-old kindergarten spots a week, and 132 places will be offered for four-year-old kinder.
The $4.8 million centre will have the capacity to oversee 25 ‘occasional care’ children a day, and also cater for maternal and child health, early childhood intervention, parenting groups and playgroups.
Melton mayor Sophie Ramsey says the centre will help the council cater for the city’s rising population.
“We will be able to deliver services that reflect children’s interests and encourage discovery and play, while bringing together a range of programs that build culture, identity and connectivity in emerging communities,” Cr Ramsey said.
Every week, on average, 33 new families move into the Melton municipality and about 40 babies are born.
The centre is being built on the corner of Montmartre Boulevard and Lexington Drive.
Meanwhile, one of Brimbank’s main child- care providers, Early Childhood Management Services (ECMS), has welcomed the Productivity Commission’s recommendation that the federal government continue to help fund 15 hours of kindergarten a week.
ECMS chief executive Bernie Nott said increased investment would bring “significant economic and social returns” in coming years.
“Vulnerable and at-risk children tend to take part the least in early childhood education and care services, yet they are the ones set to gain the most,” Mr Nott said.
“We strongly suggest that the government provide certainty on this matter as soon as possible … we look forward to being involved in the critical consultation process.”
