Gowrie Broadmeadows Valley earmarked for expansion through Best Start, Best Life

Gowrie Victoria Broadmeadows Valley (GVBV) has been earmarked for expansion as part of the Victorian Government Best Start, Best Life kindergarten reforms. 

Under the reforms, the Victorian Government is working to ensure that every new primary school has a kindergarten on-site or next door to ensure a smoother transition from kindergarten to school for children, and that services which are already on shared sites with schools have sufficient facilities to meet demand. 

Three of Gowrie Victoria’s early learning services are located on shared sites with schools, and school readiness is a strong feature of each program, including visits to neighbouring schools, shared activities between schools and the Gowrie services, and excursions to build familiarity and resilience. 

In July, Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Ingrid Stitt visited Broadmeadows Valley Primary School to announce the expansion of GVBV, which is due to be completed in 2025. 

The expansion, to be completed in 2025, would mean increased access for children in the diverse and growing community.  

“This expansion of our kindergarten on a school site ensures continuity of learning is enhanced for all children and families with seamless transitions onto school,” said GVBV Early Learning Manager Michelle Gujer. 

The announcement follows the renewal of the service’s Excellent Rating from ACECQA last year. GVBV was first announced as Excellent six years ago and was once again acknowledged for its outstanding work. 

Ms Gujer said the expansion was wonderful news for the community, with many more children set to benefit from the high-quality program and support for families. 

“GVBV is not only renowned for providing exceptional early education and care for children, but also the work it does within the community to provide best possible outcomes for families.” 

The wide-ranging curriculum on offer at GVBV includes an Arabic language program, On Country Kinder, and Playing IT Safe program. The service is also part of the Koorie Preschool Assistant Initiative (now known as bupup balak wayipungang), and recently released its Trauma Informed Practice Guide. 

Michelle said the prospect of expansion was an exciting one that would allow more children and families to feel a strong sense of community and belonging and allow them to access the exceptional early education and care they deserved.