New child care centre for Kinglake families

News bulletin: 4 September 2009

Kinglake families are looking to the future with the opening of a new child care centre to replace the one lost in February’s devastating bushfires.

A portable building, donated by the Investa Property Group, will replace the Kinglake Long Day Care Service until a permanent centre is built.

Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Maxine Morand said the Kinglake Early Learning Centre would help local families get back on their feet in the wake of the 2009 Victorian bushfires.

“Re-establishing vital community services is a key part of that recovery process.

“The return of a long day care centre is very important to Kinglake families with young children – giving Kinglake parents greater flexibility and opportunity for work, and giving Kinglake children a wonderful facility to enjoy,” Ms Morand said.

The Kinglake Early Learning Centre provides a long day care service from 7am to 6pm for up to 35 children and runs programs based on individual interests and experiences.

“An early learning centre is a vital aspect of any community, particularly in rural areas, and we were glad to be in a position to donate the building and play a small part in rebuilding the Kinglake community,” Investa Property Group General Manager of Marketing Katie Barton-Harvey said.

The Mayor of Murrindindi Shire Council Lyn Gunter said restoring child care services for the Kinglake community was vital.

“We thank Investa Property Group for their remarkable generosity and the State Government for assisting with the relocation of the building. 

“It has been a tremendous partnership between council and the community and I congratulate all involved for their efforts,” Mayor Gunter said.

Pictured left to right: Peter Syme, Project Manager, Investa; The Hon Maxine Morand MP, Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development; Sara Sommers, Coordinator Kinglake Early Learning Centre; Cr Peter Beales, Murrindindi Shire; Katie Barton-Harvey, General Manager-Marketing, Investa; Paul O'Brian, General Manager-Victoria, Investa