New children’s centre in Melbourne’s CBD

City workers and city dwellers will now have greater access to high-quality day care and kindergarten programs with the opening of Goodstart Early Learning in Flinders Street.

Minister for Children and Early Childhood Development Wendy Lovell today joined families to officially open the six-room centre located just opposite Flinders Street Station.

Ms Lovell said today’s opening is great news for families who live and or work in the city.

“With six rooms catering for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers, this new centre meets growing demand for quality early years services in the CBD.
“Working mums and dads will benefit from the convenience and peace of mind of having their children close to their office or workplace.

“The centre also caters for the growing number of young families who live in the CBD,” Ms Lovell said.

“Between 2006 and 2011, the birth rate in the City of Melbourne increased by 40%.”

The new centre has two nursery rooms, two toddler rooms, a three-year old room, and will offer integrated kindergarten and day care programs in the four-year-old room.

Ms Lovell congratulated Goodstart Early Learning for sharing the Victorian Coalition Government’s commitment to improving access to early years services, and ensuring young children receive the very best preparation for school.

“Since 2010, the Napthine Government has invested a record $120 million towards building and upgrading children’s centres across the state,” Ms Lovell said.

“This investment forms the basis of the Napthine Government’s plan to make Victoria a world leader in young children’s learning and development.”

“Becoming a global leader in the early years means better connecting families with services, improving support for vulnerable families, and increasing our focus on learning for every child from day one.”

“Victoria already leads the nation in early childhood education and care, and by improving access to services, we are making Melbourne’s CBD an even better place for families to raise their children.”

The Napthine Government has invested an additional $283.1 million in children’s services since 2010, including $32 million in the 2014/15 State Budget.

Source: News Release Premier of Victoria Denis Napthine 05 June 2014