02 MarSome fantastic news from Mallacoota Kindergarten
Last week, the Victorian Government made a very welcome announcement regarding Mallacoota Kindergarten with Victorian Minister for Education, James Merlino, announcing up to $2.5 million to build or reinstate a purpose-built kindergarten in Mallacoota, as soon as possible.
The kindergarten was damaged significantly after heavy rainfall in January after being previously damaged by smoke and ash during the bushfires. The service has been temporarily relocated to a portable at Mallacoota P-12 College which, until recently, did not have adequate toilet facilities for the children although a temporary toilet block will be installed at the College for the kindergarten children.
The Government has been working with East Gippsland Shire Council and YMCA Ballarat over recent weeks on both the temporary solution and permanent options. Options include installing a purpose-built modern modular kindergarten, with a playground and landscaping, at a preferred location or working with Council on reinstating the existing council-owned site.
The service has also been supported through additional Victorian Government assistance including a bushfire Kindergarten Fee Subsidy so four-year-old children can attend kindergarten programs for free plus financial assistance to support the delivery of the kindergarten program, including replacing damaged toys and books and engaging additional staff.
