Council welcomes Cohuna childcare centre commitment

Published on 05 December 2023

Gannawarra Shire Council has welcomed today’s State Government announcement that Cohuna will be home to a government-owned early childhood learning and childcare centre, to be open in 2027 or 2028.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn made the announcement today as part of the State Government’s commitment to improve early childhood education opportunities.

“The State Government’s announcement is a significant milestone in a community-led campaign to improve current and future early childhood development and childcare needs,” Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

“Council is pleased to have worked with local families and businesses who have identified the need for improved childcare access for Cohuna and district, which resulted in State Government funding to develop the Exploring Care and Education in Cohuna Final Report.

“Council has used this report, which was presented to Council earlier this year, to strongly advocate to the State Government the need for a dedicated childcare, Pre-Prep and three-year-old kindergarten space for Cohuna.”

Council will work with the State Government and educational providers regarding the location of the new centre and construction timelines, as well as the rollout of the Pre-Prep program, which will replace the current four-year-old kindergarten structure in 2025.

“Council continues to work with the Department of Education regarding the rollout of this new program, with details regarding the delivery model, including days and hours for each of Council’s programs to be confirmed in 2024,” Mr Rollinson said.