Dedicated KindiLink facility for Katanning

A new purpose-built KindiLink facility at Katanning Primary School was officially opened by Western Australia’s Early Childhood Education Minister Sabine Winton recently, in a bid to enhance the provision of early childhood education in the region.

Funded as part of the Early Years Partnership between the Cook Government, Minderoo Foundation and Telethon Kids Institute the new build will provide a dedicated focus for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children as part of KindiLink – a play-and-learn initiative for First Nations children who are not old enough to enrol in school. 

Kindilink is currently provided in 38 Western Australian public schools at no cost to families.

The program commenced at Katanning Primary School in 2016 and has since supported families to be actively involved in their child’s educational journey and transition into formal schooling.

The new building provides a secure, accessible space for KindiLink sessions and is equipped with dedicated play areas, kitchen and storage facilities, ensuring an optimal environment for learning and growth.

The project was completed with an investment of approximately $160,000 including associated landscaping and playground improvements under the Early Years Partnership, which is a collaboration between the State Government, Minderoo Foundation, Telethon Kids Institute and the local community.

The Early Years Partnership aims to improve the development, health and learning of children aged 0-4 years of age across its partner communities of Armadale, Central Great Southern, Derby and Bidyadanga.

Each community has led the development of their own Community Plan, identifying key priorities to improve children’s wellbeing and school readiness. The communities are supported to develop evidence-based solutions which are implemented at the local level.

The Early Years Partnership received a funding boost of $34.6 million in the recent Budget to ensure continued investment in the critical stages of child development.

“Since its inception at Katanning Primary School, KindiLink has been instrumental in laying the foundation for early development and building strong connections with families,” Ms Winton said. 

“The provision of a purpose-built KindiLink facility marks a significant milestone which will further enhance the provision of early childhood education for the Katanning community.”

Ms Winton thanked the Minderoo Foundation and Telethon Kids Institute for “their ongoing investment and collaboration on the Early Years Partnership, which is making a genuinely positive impact on communities and the lives of children.”