Craigieburn families will have access to a range of early childhood services in one convenient location thanks to the new $6.3 million children’s centre opened in Calwell today.
Federal Member for Calwell Maria Vamvakinou welcomed the opening of the centre. “The centre shows the Federal Government has delivered on its 2007 commitment to the Craigieburn community.
By investing $1.6 million, the Government is ensuring Calwell residents will benefit from the child health and family support services the centre will offer,” Ms Vamvakinou said. "Studies have shown early childhood education is crucial to the social, emotional and educational growth of young children. Craigieburn is a growing community of young families and this centre will address those needs.” Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Maxine Morand said the completion of the centre marked an exciting time for local families.
“This new integrated centre combines a 60 place kinder, playgroups, maternal and child health and early childhood intervention services, 30 occasional care places and a 60 place childcare service,” Ms Morand said.“The kinder opened this term and I’m thrilled that from today MCH will be operating from the five consulting rooms, with childcare and allied health services expected to be available soon. “We know how important it is for parents and working families to have access to the best possible education and care for their children close to home and that’s why our Government is investing in new centres such as this that offer a range of services under one roof. “With more and more families settling in Craigieburn, it’s important that we create family-friendly communities that deliver the services families need. This centre is a great partnership between the City of Hume and the Commonwealth Government.”
Member for Yuroke Liz Beattie said the service, co-located with Mt Ridley P-12 College, would be fantastic for working families. “Like many parts of the State this area has been experiencing a baby boom, with 2554 babies born in the City of Hume in 2008/09, an increase of 16.2 per cent since 2001,” she said. The Federal Government contributed $1.6million, the State Government $1.4 and Hume Council $3.3million
