Leongatha set for childcare and kinder boost

LEONGATHA Early Learning Centre’s building is nearing completion, with final finishes and painting taking place, and will soon help meet growing local demand for kindergarten and day care services.

Works are expected to conclude during March, with the facility set to begin operation in April.

Kindergarten, long day care and supported playgroup will all be accommodated at the Leongatha Early Learning Centre, with the spacious new building also set to host related family services.

At approximately 1095 square metres, the facility consists of four main day care/preschool rooms with shared amenities, allied health and associated staff and administration rooms, including a kitchen, laundry and outdoor staff area.

Children using the centre will enjoy a large outdoor play space when the South Gippsland weather plays its part.

Measuring approximately 1500 square metres, the play space will consist of a mixture of nature-based elements and natural play structures designed to cater for varying age groups.

The adjoining Leongatha Children’s Centre Incorporated will operate the Leongatha Early Learning Centre, having run a kindergarten and preschool since 2001, with councillors voting to approve that recommendation at their July 2022 meeting.

Leongatha Early Learning Centre was originally expected to open in 2022, with Mayor Nathan Hersey outlining reasons for the delay in its completion at last December’s council meeting.

“The construction of the facility has been significantly delayed by recent issues widespread in the construction industry such as material and labour shortages and poor weather conditions,” mayor Nathan Hersey said in response to a question from a member of the public.

Delays were also previously acknowledged.

The centre’s $5 million budget was increased to $5.325 million in 2021 following receipt of construction tenders, Cr Hersey stated at the December council meeting.

Council committed contributed just under $3 million to the project with the remaining funds coming from the Victorian Government.