New centre to open in Harcourt after YMCA receives $550k grant

A new early childhood education and care (ECEC) facility will be built in the Victorian district of Harcourt after the YMCA recently received a $550,000 government grant.

The new facility will ensure families can access kindergarten programs and family services in the same space. For the past 70 years, the Harcourt Uniting Church had been providing a space for the preschool centre. 

A church spokesperson welcomed the announcement, saying that the new construction will support Harcourt families, and the wider community, to access “a reasonably-priced, high-quality educational foundation for district kids”.

Speaking with local news source The Bendigo Advertiser, the church spokesperson talked about the tremendous support the “homegrown” preschool centre has received over the years, “rejoicing” in the prospect of a new and improved facility for children. 

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards told The Bendigo Advertiser that the state government would continue to upgrade infrastructure around the state to support early learning facilities.

Ms Edwards said the build was designed to ensure that Harcourt families would have access to stronger support in early childhood, preparing children for the best possible start to school. 

“I look forward to working with the preschool community as we deliver this new facility,” she added. 

To read the original coverage of this story, please see here.