New ECEC service planned for Mitchell Shire

Mitchell Shire Council is seeking lease applicants for a new early learning centre in Wallan East, with a relocatable, modular facility currently being manufactured, which will be placed adjacent to Our Lady of the Way Catholic Primary School on Newbridge Boulevard later this year.

The facility, under a working title of Wallan East Family and Children’s Centre, will feature three early education and care rooms, with a capacity of 33 students in each room, and will also contain office spaces, a meeting room, two kitchens, a foyer, two toilets and outside play areas.

Catering to three and four year old children, the decision to publicly advertise an intention to lease the service was determined at a Council meeting held last month. 

Counsellor Bob Cornish said the facility would help bring the Wallan East community together, and that the placement of the facility adjacent to the school and two new housing developments would be advantageous to parents. 

Mr Cornish said the facility represented steps towards infrastructure development in Wallan East, for both the Newbridge and Wallara Waters developments.

“Our Lady of the Way will be across the road from this facility when it is built and opens in October this year,” he explained, outlining that the facility was a “much needed” addition in the Wallan East area, one which would “bring a bit of connectivity to the community down there”.

Counselor Rhonda Sanderson said she was excited for the council to begin fielding lease applications, and would take a keen interest in submissions received.