Gannawarra has a new kindergarten and has become one of the first shires in Victoria to introduce pre-Prep programs.
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A new kindergarten and a state-first childcare program have been launched in Gannawarra Shire Council.
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On Monday, February 3, the shire became one of the first municipalities in the state to roll out the Victorian Government’s pre-Prep program.
Programs will be hosted at the recently completed Kerang South Kindergarten, and at locations in Cohuna, Koondrook and Leitchville.
Over 170 children are enrolled in local programs, which the government has introduced to replace four-year-old kindergarten across Victoria by 2036.
Chief executive Geoff Rollinson said the council was excited to lead the initiative and build on its current three-year-old kindergarten services.
“This new play-based program will improve children’s learning and development outcomes,” Mr Rollinson said.
By 2030, the council will provide every four-year-old child with up to 30 hours per week of play-based learning for 40 weeks of the year.
The newly built Kerang South Kindergarten will accommodate the pre-Prep roll out.
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The new kindergarten is located on Kerang South Primary School grounds, and will cater for pre-Prep and three-year-old kindergarten programs as enrolments increase.
“Council is pleased to be managing this new, modern facility that has the capacity to accommodate two programs simultaneously,” Mr Rollinson said.
“Council thanks the state government and the leadership of the Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn for ensuring that the Kerang South Kindergarten was operational in time for the start of the 2025 education year.”
The facility has two rooms, outdoor learning areas, and can provide kindergarten for up to 66 children, according to the Victorian School Building Authority.
An official opening will be held at a later date for residents to explore the building and learn more about its services.
Mr Rollinson said council was also continuing to work with the government on opening the Cohuna Consolidated School Early Learning and Childcare Centre.
The centre, to be run by Early Learning Victoria, will be built on Cohuna Consolidated School grounds by early 2027.
It will provide long daycare, three-year-old kindergarten and pre-Prep programs for up to 102 children each day.
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