Kindergarten underway across City of Ballarat

31 January 2024 8:52am

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson (right) works on a puzzle with Heidi and City of Ballarat Early Childhood Teacher, Karen Li at Rowan View Children’s Centre.

This week marked a major life milestone for hundreds of children in Ballarat with the commencement of kindergarten.

The City of Ballarat’s kinder programs kicked off at Girrabanya Children’s Centre, Wendouree Children’s Centre, as well as the new community hub in Alfredton and refurbished Rowan View Children’s Centre.

Tuesday was a monumental day at the Rowan View Children’s Centre (formerly Rowan View Kindergarten), with the Forest Street facility re-opening its doors to kindergarten services for the first time in 12 months.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said it was wonderful to see the Council facility bursting with vibrancy and energy once again.

“The $1.65 million investment by the City of Ballarat into the refurbishment of Rowan View Children’s Centre means we can comfortably deliver free three and four-year-old kindergarten to our community, as well as a specialised referral-only childcare program,” he said.

“The 2023 works have seen a full internal refurbishment providing three fit-for-purpose early years learning rooms, staff planning spaces and a welcoming family area and meeting room.”

Ballarat resident, Melissa Park said it was exciting time for her daughter heading into the new year.

“We’re really excited to send our daughter to this brand new upgraded centre,” she said.

“It’s great to see the renovations that have been done, it looks like such a bright and pleasant place to learn in.”

There were also celebrations at the community hub in Donegal Drive, Alfredton with three kindergarten rooms coming to life for the very first time.

The Donegal Drive facility also features two community rooms, a meeting room, and associated staff facilities, made possible with funding from the State Government ($2.25 million), Ballarat West Developer Contributions Plan ($4.65 million) and City of Ballarat ($3 million).

Enrolments for free three-year-old and four-year-old kindergarten in 2024 remain open for some facilities via the City of Ballarat's kindergarten page or contact 5320 7520.

Families with young children are being encouraged to take advantage by enrolling now. All children enrolled in a funded kindergarten service are eligible for 15 hours of free kindergarten.