Western Bulldogs and Kool Beanz to open childcare centre at new Footscray Hospital

A new childcare centre developed through a partnership between Kool Beanz and the Western Bulldogs is set to open at the new Footscray Hospital, offering local families greater access to early learning in a unique, health-focused setting.

The centre, Kool Beanz’s first in Victoria, will cater for up to 90 children and forms part of the broader hospital precinct delivered by Plenary Health. It reflects a growing trend in co-located services, where early childhood education is embedded within larger community infrastructure.

Western Bulldogs CEO Ameet Bains said the initiative represents a natural alignment between the club’s community values and its longstanding support of health and wellbeing.

“We are proud to announce this exciting new partnership with trusted industry leaders, where we will be able to combine two important pillars of our club, the community and healthcare,” he said.

Kool Beanz founder Bruce Coulson said the collaboration enables the delivery of high-quality early education to families in the heart of their community.

Designed to support children’s learning, wellbeing and development, the centre will include outdoor nature and water play areas, a vegetable garden, an aviary, a Zen garden and a Bulldogs-themed play zone. These spaces are intended to foster creativity, sensory exploration and physical activity.

The project is expected to generate around 30 new jobs and contribute to the wider economic growth of the area. Its integration within the hospital precinct will also support workforce participation by offering accessible care options for staff and local families.

The centre is scheduled to open in late 2025.