Thursday, 29 August 2024

Bundoora electorate early childhood education

Colin BROOKS (Bundoora – Minister for Development Victoria, Minister for Precincts, Minister for Creative Industries) (09:54): The first few years of life are crucial for setting children up for success later on. That is why the Allan Labor government is rolling out early years reform like the game-changing free kinder program and has been investing in preschool infrastructure across the state. These government investments are making a real difference for the Bundoora area.

Earlier this month Diamond Hills Preschool in Greensborough, led by president Dani Page and a wonderful volunteer committee, opened their spacious and bright new building complete with two new classrooms, a multipurpose room, a kitchen, a library and a really impressive outdoor area. This was made possible with $2.9 million from the Allan Labor government, and I acknowledge the efforts of the member for Eltham in securing those funds when that was in her area. Funding also came from the Shire of Nillumbik and the Diamond Hills Preschool community itself. Earlier this year the Goodstart Early Learning centre in Watsonia opened their doors on Devonshire Road, providing extra capacity for local families thanks to a $1 million investment from this government. And just last week I was at the McLeans Road Kindergarten in Bundoora for their Book Week fair with lead teacher Natalie Vecchio and the whole team. This preschool too was recently built as a partnership between the Labor government and the City of Whittlesea, back in 2022.

In nearly a decade of federal Liberal–National government, and when those opposite were in power for four years, not one cent was invested in early years reform in my electorate. In contrast, we will continue investing in early years education and supporting families in the Bundoora electorate.