Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre

Children and educators at Manna Gum Family and Children’s Centre, in Victoria’s Gisborne, are enjoying their outdoor learning all the more following a $360,000 grant from the Victorian Government. 

Funded by a Victorian School Building Authority Building Blocks Refurbishment and Minor Works grant, the new playspace was formally opened by Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP on 3 May 2024. 

A sculpture of  ‘Bunjil the Creator’ (a wedge-tailed eagle with specific links to local First Nations people) has pride of place in the space, which also features nature-based play elements, a stage for performances, and a yarning circle, alongside traditional play equipment.

Council’s Director Community Maria Weiss thanked the Victorian Government for their contribution and supporting Early Years services in the Macedon Ranges.

“A key priority area in our Municipal Early Years Plan 2021-2025: CREATE is that children’s needs are recognised in infrastructure and the built environment,” she said.

“A key theme of this is to actively seek and respond to opportunities for children to play, explore, solve problems, communicate, think, create and construct.”

“This fantastic new outdoor space definitely ticks those boxes and will ensure a nature-based learning environment where children can play, learn, grow and thrive for many years to come.”