VIC Govt commits $2.5m to rebuild storm and fire ravaged kindergarten in Mallacoota

The Victorian State Government has committed $2.5 million to establish or reinstate a new kindergarten building in Mallacoota as soon as possible after the existing centre was damaged significantly from heavy rainfall in January and smoke and ash damage during the bushfire crisis. 

Options being considered at this stage include a purpose built modern modular kindergarten, with a playground and landscaping, at a new location or working with council to reinstate the existing council owned site. 

Kindergartens have temporarily been relocated to Mallacoota P-12 College until the new permanent solution has been completed. 

Commenting Minister for Education James Merlino said “It’s great local kids have been able to start kinder this year after their building was significantly damaged, but it’s important we find a permanent solution for kinder-aged children in Mallacoota. That is exactly what we have been working on.”

The Government has also provided Mallacoota Kindergarten with a bushfire kindergarten fee subsidy to ensure children in the year before school can access early learning at no cost. 

Mallacoota, located in East Gippsland, has been on the receiving end of severe weather and bushfire events this year which started with over 4,000 people seeking refuge on Mallacoota Beach on New Years Eve as bushfires ravaged their community. 

Jane Garrett, Member for Eastern Victoria said “This is about certainty and support for families in Mallacoota, who have been through so much and just want to get back to their normal life and normal routine – like dropping the kids off their local kinder in the morning.”