Gannawarra Shire report recommends creating ELC at Cohuna Consolidated School

A Gannawarra Shire Council-commissioned report recommends the creation of an early learning centre (ELC) at the Cohuna Consolidated School that will provide early learning places and support the rollout of the Victorian Government’s Pre-Prep program.

The recommendation is the key finding from the Exploring Care and Education in Cohuna Final Report, presented to Councillors at the February 2023 Council Meeting.

Developed thanks to funding from the Victorian Government’s Building Blocks Planning Program, the report focused on identifying options that could create additional early learning places for Cohuna and district residents.

“Council is pleased to have worked with the organisers of a community-led campaign calling for long day care options for Cohuna and district, which resulted in the development of this report,” Mayor Charlie Gillingham said.

“Significant local engagement assisted in the development of this document, including interviews with parents, schools, health services, local businesses and a survey, which received 269 responses.”

The ELC proposed by the report would feature two kindergarten/childcare rooms able to cater for 33 children, a dedicated 16-place childcare room, a Maternal and Child Health consulting room, and a 15-place room for supported playgroups, professional consultations and meetings.

“The report’s author found that Cohuna Consolidated School was the ideal location due to the large number of spaces available, with other areas, such as the current kinder site, St Mary’s Primary School and a block of land at Westbrook Street ruled out due to size and location,” Mayor Gillingham said.

“Council looks forward to working with Cohuna Consolidated School, the community and the State Government to make this project a reality, which will benefit current and future families.”

Access the report here.