FAMILY TIME AT NEW CENTRE
A $13.3 million family centre has opened its doors to children on the Bellarine Peninsula.
The Bella Wiyn Birralee Family Centre in Drysdale is providing long daycare and sessional kindergarten, with limited numbers in each session due to the COVID-19 crisis.
City of Greater Geelong’s Cr Sarah Mansfield said the centre would provide “vital” support for Bellarine families, particularly during the current circumstances.
“The high-quality facilities, educational focus and nurturing environment all come together to make a place that children are excited to go to each day,” Cr Mansfield said.
“Our family centres provide much more than childcare — they become a place of connection, security and encouragement for so many families.”
The State Government and the City of Greater Geelong jointly funded the $13.3 million project.
Once coronavirus restrictions are eased, the integrated early childhood centre will also offer maternal and child health services, consulting rooms and a large multipurpose community space.
The centre’s name, Bella Wiyn Birralee, means “Bellarine children” in the Wadawurrung language.
Meanwhile, the council has a further four new and replacement centres in the planning phase in 2020-21 under its proposed budget.
This includes Lara Family
Hub ($200,000), Jetty Road Children’s & Community Hub ($150,000), Bell Park/Bell Post Hill Enhanced Early Years and Community Hub ($100,000) and Thomson ($80,000).
There is also an additional allocation of $405,000 to upgrade existing facilities such as childcare centres, kindergartens and occasional care venues.