The service was officially launched last Thursday by Victoria’s Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Ingrid Stitt, and Member for Ashwood Matt Fregon, who joined Mayor Tina Samardzija, to officially launch the new facility.
Built on the site of Pinewood Preschool and Maternal and Child Health Centre, the redeveloped hub combines essential services and facilities for families under one roof, making it easier for them to access support in one location.
Two kindergarten rooms have been created, along with a community playgroup area, three rooms for Maternal and Child Health services and two additional consulting rooms, along with interactive outdoor play areas.
The natural environment has been designed around significant trees, with outdoor spaces having views of the surrounding parkland, and with new trees being planted to provide the community with shaded rest areas and green spaces.
“This is just one of several early childhood projects we are delivering around Monash, and construction is due to start on a third Child and Family Hub in Oakleigh South, while a hub in Mulgrave opened last year,” the mayor said.
“As a parent, I know how important child and family hubs such as Pinewood are for connecting young families in Monash with the support and community they need during those crucial early stages of a child’s life,” she added.
“From regular visits to the maternal and child health nurse, to first friendships at playgroup, to learning and discovering the wider world at kindergarten, an integrated hub like Pinewood allows families in the area to give their child the best start in life.”
