City of Ballarat Mayor joins in on first day of kindergarten

Des Hudson, City of Ballarat Mayor, joined children and families on the first day of kindergarten to celebrate the ‘major life milestone’ for hundreds of children in Ballarat. 

 

The City of Ballarat’s kinder programs kicked off at Girrabanya Children’s Centre, Wendouree Children’s Centre, as well as the new community hub in Alfredton and refurbished Rowan View Children’s Centre.

 

Mayor Hudson was present at Rowan View Children’s Centre (formerly Rowan View Kindergarten) which reopened its doors to kindergarten for the first time in 12 months. 

 

“The $1.65 million investment by the City of Ballarat into the refurbishment of Rowan View Children’s Centre means we can comfortably deliver free three and four-year-old kindergarten to our community, as well as a specialised referral-only childcare program,” the Mayor said, adding that it was “wonderful to see the facility bursting with vibrancy and energy once again.”

 

“The 2023 works have seen a full internal refurbishment providing three fit-for-purpose early years learning rooms, staff planning spaces and a welcoming family area and meeting room.”

 

For local parent Melissa Park the renovations made the space more appealing, and one where she was happy to be sending her young children.

 

“We’re really excited to send our daughter to this brand new upgraded centre,” she said.

 

“It’s great to see the renovations that have been done, it looks like such a bright and pleasant place to learn in.”

 

There were also celebrations at the community hub in Donegal Drive, Alfredton with three kindergarten rooms coming to life for the very first time.

 

The Donegal Drive facility also features two community rooms, a meeting room, and associated staff facilities, made possible with funding from the State Government ($2.25 million), Ballarat West Developer Contributions Plan ($4.65 million) and City of Ballarat ($3 million).

 

Enrolments for free three-year-old and four-year-old kindergarten in 2024 remain open for some facilities via the City of Ballarat’s kindergarten page or contact 03 5320 7520.