Larapi Child and Family Learning Centre officially opens in Wynyard

The Larapi Child and Family Learning Centre (CFLC) in Wynyard is now officially open, providing a welcoming space for the youngest children, families and carers in the Waratah-Wynyard area of Tasmania. 

 

Larapi (pronounced lah-rah-pee) means Flowerdale River in palawa kani language, and has been offering programs since its opening day in late 2023, holding an official ceremonial opening late last month. 

 

The service is one of six new child and family learning centres in Tasmania, taking the total number of centres across the state to 18.

 

Of the six new centres, East Tamar, West Ulverstone and Sorell are now open, and Kingborough and Glenorchy are nearing completion.

 

As with all the new services the development of Larapi was led by local community members, Tasmania’s Minister for Education Jo Palmer explained. 

 

“The new Centre in Wynyard provides wrap-around services and support for families with children aged birth to five years, and expectant parents, where they can access quality education, health, support and outreach services,” Minister Palmer said.

 

The service will offer a number of sessions including playgroups, oral language development programs, parent workshops and early intervention referrals to give children a head start to learn and grow through play.

 

As in existing CFLCs, families will also have free access to psychologists, speech pathologists and social workers, ensuring children are meeting their developmental milestones and are well placed to start Kindergarten.

 

The centre is already living true to its vision – Our community, celebrating all children and families, playing, learning and growing together – with an average of 50 people participating each day since it opened its doors in late 2023.

 

“I congratulate the staff, families, members of the Local Enabling Group, and design and building contractors for their work and input into establishing Larapi as a space for families to enjoy,” Minister for Children and Youth, Roger Jaensch, said.

 

The Tasmanian Liberal Government recently committed to delivering an additional four supersized Child and Family Learning Centres in Scottsdale, Longford, Smithton and Huonville, expanding the services offered across Tasmania.

 

Planning for these additional sites are already underway.