The Allan Labor Government is bringing affordable childcare and free kinder to more communities across Victoria, with four extra four early learning and childcare centres (ELCCs) set to open in 2026.
Member for Melton, Steve McGhie MP today announced that a new ELCC will be built at Toolern Waters Primary School (interim name) - adding to the 10 sites already due for delivery in 2026.
The three remaining additional centres will be located at Mickleham South Primary School (interim name), Wollert Andrews Road Primary School (interim name), and next to Teesdale Primary School on recently acquired land.
In total the four new ELCCs will provide more than 450 places for children up to five years old – including both childcare and Three-and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten services.
Each centre will help meet local demand for these vital early learning experiences in places with a shortage of early learning facilities. They will feature dedicated community space for programs and services like maternal and child health, allied health, playgroups or other child and family services.
The Labor Government has also announced the architects appointed to work on the projects. Brand Architects have been selected to design the centres at Toolern Waters and Teesdale Primary schools, while Architectus will design the facilities at Mickleham South and Wollert Andrews Road Primary schools.
Meanwhile, Victoria’s first 4 ELCCs are on track to open in 2025 – with Hutchinson Builders now appointed to lead construction of the early learning and childcare facilities at Sunshine Primary School, Eaglehawk North Primary School, Moomba Park Primary School and Murtoa College.
Between 2025 and 2032, the Labor Government will establish 50 ELCCs to improve access to early education and help meet demand for kindergarten and childcare in our communities. By 2026, the first 18 centres will collectively deliver more than 1,800 licensed places for local children and families.
Through our nation-leading $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms, the Labor Government is transforming early childhood education to help children thrive, save families money, and support parents and carers to return to work or study if they choose.
Quotes attributable to Member for Melton, Steve McGhie MP
“Every family deserves to have access to local and affordable early childhood education and care – that’s why we’re delivering 50 early learning and childcare centres in the Victorian communities that need them most.”
“Victoria’s first 18 early learning and childcare centres will be conveniently located at government schools, and I’m excited about the opportunities these facilities will bring for local children, local schools and their communities.”
“We’re investing in children and the local community here in Weir Views. This exciting new initiative will make the transition between kinder and prep seamless and help families avoid the dreaded double drop-off.”
