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Work starts on new Morwell preschoolThe construction of a new Morwell preschool in Maryvale Crescent, has begun, with the footings poured last week and work on the structure about to start. By Latrobe City Council - 24th July 2003 - Back to News The new preschool replaces the former Morwell Central Preschool located between the old Morwell Library and the Latrobe Regional Gallery. It was demolished early in 2003 to allow for the development of the site as part of the State Government’s Justice Precinct.
Latrobe City Mayor, Councillor Graeme Middlemiss, said the new Morwell Central Preschool would create a more accessible range of preschool services for Morwell residents.
"The Morwell Central Preschool was the only preschool located south of the railway line. When Morwell Central was closed, its absence obviously created inconvenience for a number of residents who were required to travel further to make use of other available preschool services. Finding a suitable site for a new preschool south of the railway line, and then going through the necessary planning procedures has taken time, but all the arrangements have now been put into place and as a consequence, work on the new facility has commenced," Cr Middlemiss said.
Councillor Darrell White said that the new preschool would be a state-of-the art facility, built for today’s children and today’s preschool activities in mind. "It’s been designed with energy efficiency in mind, access for all and provides a safe and secure environment," Cr White said.
"Parents are already able to enrol their children for the 2004 Preschool year at the new Morwell Central Preschool and are urged to do so before on-time enrolments close on Friday 8 August 2003," Cr White added.
Children enrolled on or before 8 August will be considered for places on the basis of parent preference for the preschool of their choice, then random selection.
Councillor White thanked parents inconvenienced by the closure of Morwell Central Preschool during the 2003 preschool year for their patience. "A number of parents have also been actively working with Council as members of the Morwell Central Preschool Committee to help create a first class facility for preschoolers. We know they are delighted to see construction finally underway, and look forward to working with them in the lead-up to the opening of the new facility.
President of the Morwell Central Preschool Committee, Louise Law, said that news of the start on the new preschool was welcome. "Many of our children attend Sacred Heart or Commercial Road Primary School and having a preschool back in the same general area has obvious advantages," Mrs Law said.
"I’d particularly like to commend the teachers at Morwell Central and host preschools who have done a tremendous job working together to provide a quality preschool experience for the children during the time that Morwell Central Preschool has been closed. They’ve been provided with a lot more challenges this year than they would normally face.
"With the new facility comes the need for new equipment. Our Preschool Committee is already busy planning an auction night in late September to raise funds for new equipment, and we are asking local businesses to donate items that can be auctioned," Mrs Law added.
The Morwell Central Preschool will open in its new location for the first term of 2004. Businesses willing to donate items for the auction night are asked to contact Sally Pepper, telephone 5134 2026.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com

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