Additional $1.6 million funding boost for Shire of Katanning’s Early Childhood Hub

The West Australian Government has provided an additional $1.6 million funding boost for the Shire of Katanning to progress the Katanning Early Childhood Hub, improving access to essential services for families in the Great Southern town.

With the addition of the new funding the total investment in the project has risen to $7.3 million, with the Hub itself expected to provide the community with up to 67 long-day-care places, creating 28 jobs during construction and 7 full-time positions once the project is complete.

The Hub is one of 24 priority projects under the Early Years Partnership (EYP), which is a collaboration between the State Government, Minderoo Foundation, The Kids Research Institute Australia and the local community. 

The EYP aims to improve the development, health and learning of children aged from birth to four years of age across its partner communities of Central Great Southern, Armadale, Derby and Bidyadanga.

“This is another fantastic example of what can be achieved through the Early Years Partnership, which is about enabling communities to lead their own development based on their unique needs,” WA Early Childhood Minister Sabine Winton said. 

“I look forward to seeing the positive impact the Katanning Early Childhood Hub will have on the community.”

The community-driven project will consist of three integrated buildings: an early learning centre, a family centre, and child health offices.The Minderoo Foundation has invested an additional $2.2 million towards the project through the EYP, with Lotterywest and the Shire of Katanning also making financial contributions.

“The community and the Shire of Katanning have been working diligently for many years on getting the Hub off the ground,” Agricultural Region MLC Shelley Payne said.

“Katanning, in the heart of the Great Southern, is an extraordinarily warm and diverse regional community, and one with a great lifestyle for families. I am so pleased to see this important project receive the support it deserves.”