Deputy Speaker, in 2023 I fought alongside my community to protect our not-for-profit kinders from privatisation and closure being imposed on them by the Greens Councillors at Darebin.
Thankfully, we won that battle – the centres are safe. And I’m pleased to report they’re stronger than ever!
With the backing of our Labor Government, local kinders across the Northcote Electorate have seen wonderful upgrades to improve facilities and make room for more families.
At Alfred Nuttall, there’s new natural play equipment, water play, and a garden for little green thumbs. Thank you Susie and Gemma for showing me around!
Merri Kinder has expanded its three-year-old room and they’ll soon have a refreshed playspace too! Helen is an amazing advocate for that centre.
At Raleigh Street, I’ll be joining Justine and the team next week to celebrate their expanded capacity – with 22 new places for local kids!
Yarralea has just been awarded a major refurb to expand places while keeping its natural charm. Thank you Steph and the team for working with me to get that over the line!
We’re also backing the extraordinary First Nations-led Yappera, which supports the learning and wellbeing of Aboriginal children. Yappera will get a major expansion with a second level – huge news for Stacey and the team!
And in Thornbury, we’ve opened the new Darebin Creek Kinder with 99 spots!
Labor’s Free Kinder is also making a huge difference – saving families money, giving parents flexibility, and kids the benefit of play-based learning!
Because when we invest in kinder, we invest in every child’s future.
And that’s a future worth building.
