New kinders kick off year
HUNDREDS of kids have started kinder at three brandnew child and family centres across the region, with a fourth to open in a matter of weeks.
The new centres – in Barwon Heads, Grovedale, Norlane and Leopold – each offer integrated services for children and families including childcare, kindergarten, allied health, maternal and child health, play groups and family and parenting programs.
All have been built with a combination of state government and council funding.
City of Greater Geelong Community Development Portfolio holder Cr Kylie Fisher said the centres were a “one-stop shop for parents and families.”
She said each had been designed specifically for its location and purpose, with council also having sought input from parents to guide the activities on offer.
“Parents have told us they want to see programs which encourage outdoor activities, environmental awareness, and group activities for the whole family – so we have tried to implement these activities at each centre,” she said.
COURTNEY CRANE