Pakenham’s latest ECEC service has an official name – Boollam Boollam CFC

The Victorian community of Pakenham will soon welcome a new child and family centre (CFC) as part an early learning expansion in the state. 

The new centre, to be known as Boollam Boollam Child and Family Centre, will operate close to the new Pakenham North West Primary School (interim name) which is set to open term 1 2025. 

Boollam Boollam CFC is scheduled to be completed by December, and ready to operate from January 2025. 

Cardinia Shire Council endorsed the naming of the previously interim-named Thewlis Integrated Child and Family Centre at the latest council meeting after the new name came out as the most popular within community consultation.

Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation provided three names of Indigenous significance to Cardinia Shire Council; ‘Boollam Boollam’ meaning ‘butterfly’, ‘Benup’ meaning ‘white gum’ and ‘Nearkey Biik’ meaning ‘take care of Country’.

Boollam Boollam received the most support from the community. To Bunurong people, the new name represents ‘growth, development, and change’ symbolically aligned with the butterfly’s transformation.

The new CFC will cater for 132 kinder placements within 4 kindergarten rooms and will accommodate maternal and child health services with additional spaces.

Learn more about the service here.