Shepparton family centre open for learning

News bulletin: 27 August 2009

A new family centre in Shepparton will help give the region’s Aboriginal children the best start in life.

The Lulla Children and Family Centre was officially opened by Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development, Maxine Morand, on Thursday 20 August.   

“The local Shepparton Aboriginal community, the Free Kindergarten Association, and the State Government have worked together to develop and establish a targeted service that will benefit Aboriginal families and children for years to come,” Ms Morand said.

The centre provides a range of services in the one location for local families including childcare and kindergarten, community health services and parenting services.

“The centre is run by the local Aboriginal community and offers a range of programs to support families, reinforce and celebrate Indigenous culture and create a smoother transition to school,” Ms Morand added.

In the Greater Shepparton area, birth notifications have increased by 18.9 per cent since 2000-01, with 994 births in 2007-08. Of those 994, 66 were Aboriginal, representing 6.64 per cent of all babies born in 2007-08.

“We are responding to the biggest baby boom Victoria has experienced in 30 years by boosting services to young families to ensure Victorian children, regardless of their cultural background or social circumstances, have every opportunity to develop and reach their full potential.”

The Lulla Children and Family Centre is the 50th State Government-funded children’s centre to open as part of the commitment to construct 95 children’s centres across Victoria by 2011.

The $1 million centre included $100,000 to establish a playground celebrating the Free Kindergarten Association’s 100th anniversary.

For more information on programs and strategies that support of Aboriginal families including attendance and kindergarten programs, see: Aboriginal Strategies – Early Childhood