Yirran Gumal Early Learning opens in Marrickville South

The Inner West Council, which services the local government area found in the inner western region of Sydney, New South Wales, has officially opened its latest early childhood education and care (ECEC) service, Yirran Gumal Early Learning Centre. 

From late October, the service will begin its first phase of enrolments, with a limited intake of 20 children per day. Over the next 12 months, enrolments will increase until the centre reaches its approved capacity of 60 children per day.

Designed by Chippendale based architecture firm DJRD Architects, the service is in Steel Park Marrickville South, and was built by A J Bristow and Sons.

The unique appearance of the centre is driven in no small part by a series of columns supporting the cantilevered roof, a design feature inspired by the original forest of the area near the Cooks River.

A number of environmentally-sound features have been used in the construction of the service, including timber frames and solar water heating, quality LED lighting, natural ventilation, and high efficiency air conditioning.

As well as the features listed above, in order to support the service to be as environmentally conscious as possible, a small solar photovoltaic (PV) array will generate electric power, helping the centre to achieve an energy benchmark 25 per cent below that of similar services,

The name of the service was determined after broad consultation with the local Aboriginal community and families, educators working in existing childcare centres, nearby agencies and relevant community services.

“Yirran” means many and “Gumal” means ‘forms of friendships’.

Marrickville Ward Councillor Sam Iskandar said the service would be a welcomed addition to the community, with many residents identifying a need to increase the number of long day care options in the inner west, particularly for children from birth to two years of age. 

“This new centre will go some way to addressing the lack of local spaces for Council’s affordable, quality childcare, which are much in demand” he said.

For more information, or to join the waitlist for the service, see here.