Murrindindi Shire Council announces new provider for Flowerdale Kindergarten

Victoria’s Murrindindi Shire Council has announced that Uniting (Vic/Tas) will manage the Flowerdale Kindergarten service starting in 2025, following an expression of interest (EOI) process run by Council and the Department of Education.

Uniting (Vic/Tas) will be the new Early Years Manager for the service, which operates independently but alongside Council’s Maternal and Child Health services, from Council’s facility at 3377 Whittlesea-Yea Road, Flowerdale.

“We are pleased to confirm the continuity of service through this new partnership with Uniting (Vic/Tas) and the Department of Education,” Murrindindi Shire Council’s CEO Livia Bonazzi said. 

“We believe that this transition will bring positive changes for Flowerdale families, maintain a high quality of care and education for our children, and that the wonderful culture in place at the kindergarten will continue under the experienced management of Uniting (Vic/Tas).”

The decision earlier in the year by Mitchell Shire Council to not renew the sub-lease of Flowerdale Kindergarten has created this opportunity to secure a new provider, with Uniting (Vic/Tas) appointed because of “a wealth of experience in early childhood education,” which will allow Flowerdale Kindergarten to continue to provide a nurturing, safe and engaging environment for local families.

“Council recognises the uncertainty and concern that a change like this can create for families,” a statement notes. 

“We are working with Mitchell Shire Council, Flowerdale Primary School, the Department of Education, the Flowerdale Kindergarten Committee, and local families to ensure a smooth transition. We’d like to thank all partners and kindergarten families for their input into the EOI process, which has contributed to this successful outcome, ensuring this important service meets the needs of local families, now and into the future.”

Families will soon have the opportunity to meet the new Uniting (Vic/Tas) team and learn more about their plans for the kindergarten.

For more information, contact Council’s Children’s Services Coordinator, Sue Porter, by calling (03) 5772 0333 or by emailing [email protected]