Cohuna childcare centre establishment advocacy continues

Published on 20 May 2024

Gannawarra Shire Council continues to advocate for and work with the State Government regarding the establishment of a government-owned early childhood learning and childcare centre at Cohuna.

Premier Jacinta Allan announced in December 2023 that a centre would be developed and operating in Cohuna by 2027 or 2028.

Since that announcement Council has advocated for this centre to be operational earlier than proposed, which will meet the growing demand for early childhood education and childcare opportunities in the municipality's second-largest town.

"With Family Day Care the only locally based childcare option in Cohuna, the establishment of expanded facilities that can cater for the Victorian Governments Best Start Best Life reforms including the introduction of Pre-Prep, 3-year-old kindergarten and a facility based long day care service for Cohuna and district will benefit current and future residents, as well as local businesses," Council Chief Executive Officer, Geoff Rollinson said.

"With the rollout of the new Pre-Prep program across the Gannawarra from 2025, a larger space for Pre-Prep and three-year-old kindergarten will be required for Cohuna to fully meet the growing demand across the district.”

Although the State Government’s 2024/2025 Budget did not include any funding for these works to occur in the coming 12 months, Council will continue to work with the State Government to progress the establishment of the new centre at Cohuna as soon as possible.

"This project remains a major priority for Council, and we are committed to seeing this project come to fruition as we work with all interested parties regarding the location of this new centre and construction timelines,” Mr Rollinson said.