By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
OFF the back of calls from Liberal MP Brian Paynter for more kindergarten funding for the outer south-east growth area, a facility in Cranbourne West has opened with 120 places available.
The much-needed $4.1 million Mayone-bulluk Family and Community Centre officially opened its doors on Thursday 19 May.
The facility includes three playrooms for four-year-old kindergarten, two maternal and child health consulting rooms, and a multi-purpose space with a kitchen.
Outdoor areas will also be made available for community use and hire, along with free public wi-fi access.
Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos was joined by Member for Cranbourne Jude Perera and City of Casey Mayor Sam Aziz at the opening.
Cr Aziz said the area’s population was driven by young families and the service would help keep up with demand while paying respects to the region’s history.
“This facility was named after a local Bunurong clan and features Indigenous public art and an Aboriginal mural inside, acknowledging the significant Indigenous history of the area and its community,” Cr Aziz said.
“The Bunurong people are Indigenous people from south-east Victoria and are made up of a number of clans or family groups. The City of Casey lies within the boundary of the Mayone Bulluk Bunurong.
The Department of Education and Training contributed $1.6 million towards the centre which brings family services and kindergarten under the one roof. The City of Casey also contributed.
Just days before the centre’s opening Bass MP Brian Paynter slammed the State Government’s kindergarten contribution to growth areas.
“There’s only one kinder in Clyde and it has hit capacity this year at 135 children,” he said.
“The State Government only allocated $10 million, we need access to more funding than that if we are to ensure it’s allocated to our areas.”
Casey council statistics show council-operated kindergarten enrolments alone grew by nine per cent since 2014.
“We really want to encourage people to live in these areas, but there are basic infrastructure needs that are a State Government responsibility,” Mr Paynter said.
The $10 million injection comes on top of the State Government’s $50 million plan to provide modern and flexible early childhood centres across Victoria.
The Mayone-bulluk Family and Community Centre is located at 66 Bradman Drive, Cranbourne West. For further details and bookings call the City of Casey on 9705 5590.
