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Yarram Early Learning Centre to expand with $2M funding from Victorian government Building Blocks ProgramConstruction begins on a $2 million Yarram Early Learning Centre expansion, adding a modular facility and play area, providing 66 new kindergarten spaces by 2024. Supported by the Victorian Government Building Blocks Grant Program. By news@gippsland - 3rd July 2023 - Back to News Construction is set to begin on the $2 million expansion of the Yarram Early Learning Centre. The Yarram Early Learning Centre, which operates out of the council-owned Yarram Hub will benefit from a $2 million infrastructure investment through the state government's 'Building Blocks' grant program - helping to expand the centre's existing infrastructure to provide more kindergarten spaces for local children. 
$2 million expansion of Yarram Early Learning Centre begins, adding modular facility and play area for 66 more kindergarten spaces Expanded kindergarten facilityThe expanded centre will include a two-room modular facility and a centralised play area at the rear of the Yarram hub building. Upgrades will provide 66 additional kindergarten spaces to support three and four-year-olds as early as 2024. The Victorian Government is installing the new modular building, with the Victorian School Building Authority overseeing the project. Wellington Shire Council collaborated with the state government to determine a suitable location for the facility, and one that is connected to the existing Yarram Hub and home to the Yarram Early Learning Centre. The modular design boasts a versatile and sustainable approach to construction, with the delivery of a high-quality building up to 50% faster than traditional construction methods. Once assembled, the building will be delivered to site and connected via pathway to the existing building at 156 Grant Street in Yarram. Construction will start in mid-July 2023 and is expected to be complete by late October 2023 with the new kindergarten opening for the start of Term 1, 2024. During the construction phase, there will be minimal disruption to the community, however visitors to the Yarram Hub should note that a small section of the rear car park will be closed during building works. Visitors should use the rear car park for short-term drop-off and pick-up. Additional parking will be available at the front of the building via Grant Street or along Lawler Street. Accessible car parking will remain available. Community support expansionWellington Shire Council Mayor Ian Bye welcomed the project and is looking forward to expanding on Yarram's very successful early years program. "It's a very exciting time for the Yarram community and infrastructure improvements such as this go a long way in supporting the liveability of our region. I look forward to the next phase of early years services in Yarram and surrounds, building on the incredible service that the Yarram Early Learning Centre has provided for the last eight years." "We recognise that there is a growing demand for more early years places across Wellington Shire. Council remains committed to investing and sourcing more funding opportunities to deliver increased early childhood education services within our local communities", Cr Bye said. Yarram Early Learning Centre Manager Sarah Gregory commented, "at Yarram Early Learning, we are very excited to be able to respond to the growing community demand for early years places. This initiative will give access to 66 kindergarten places in the new building and allow us to increase availability across the other rooms in the centre, providing vital support for local families". Government-funded expansionThe Yarram Early Learning Centre expansion is funded through the Victorian Government Building Blocks Capacity Grant Program. To find out more about the Yarram Early Learning Centre project visit Yarram Early Learning Centre website. To learn more about three and four year old kindergarten for 2024 at Yarram Early Learning Centre contact (03) 5182 5190 or email admin@yarramelc.com.au. Register for kindergarten in Yarram in 2024 through council's new Kindergarten Central Registration Service, visit Wellington Shire Council Early Years program page or contact council's Early Years team on 1300 366 244. Pictures from The Middle of Everywhere website.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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Shannon Waters Estate residents in Bairnsdale are receiving new digital water meters, enabling near-real-time usage tracking, early leak detection, and faster service, following a successful Bemm River trial. - Trafalgar Holden Museum celebrates iconic Australian Holden heritage, rare cars, memorabilia, and expanded exhibitions spaces
The Trafalgar Holden Museum showcases Australia’s iconic Holden heritage, featuring over 75 vehicles, historic memorabilia, rare concept cars, and expanded exhibition spaces, offering an immersive experience for car enthusiasts and visitors. - Gippsland Water begins Warragul wastewater plant upgrade to support growth, improve efficiency, and reduce environmental impact
Gippsland Water has begun a two-year Warragul wastewater plant upgrade, replacing ageing infrastructure, improving operations, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing environmental outcomes to support rapid regional growth. - Peri Urban Councils advocate for housing, infrastructure, and policy recognition with state government
Peri Urban Councils Victoria met government leaders at Spring Street, advocating for housing solutions, essential infrastructure funding, and policy recognition to support rapidly growing peri urban communities sustainably. - Danny O'Brien urges families to claim up to $200 for kids' sport through Get Active program by 31 December 2025
Danny O'Brien is urging families to apply for the Get Active Kids program, offering up to $200 for children's sport and recreation costs to ease cost-of-living pressures and encourage participation. - Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland Sporting Clubs to register for Get Active Kids Voucher Program reopening on October
Danny O'Brien urges Gippsland sporting clubs to register for the Get Active Kids Voucher Program, supporting families with up to $200 per child for sports fees, uniforms, and equipment. - Nationals' $100M Safer Communities Plan targets crime crisis with tough laws and prevention programs across Gippsland
Martin Cameron backed a $100 million Safer Communities Plan, promising tougher laws and prevention programs to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, restore community safety, and support at-risk youth, contrasting Labor's cuts. - Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project begins, for safer, more accessible visitor experience from $9.6M shared investment
Work has begun on the $9.6 million Cowes Foreshore Precinct Project, delivering staged upgrades to create a safer, more accessible, pedestrian-friendly destination while supporting businesses and preserving Cowes' vibrant visitor appeal. - Danny O'Brien warns Labor is risking beachgoers safety by forcing councils, ratepayers to cover LSV funding shortfalls
Danny O'Brien warns the Allan Labor government is forcing Gippsland councils and ratepayers to cover Life Saving Victoria shortfalls, risking reduced lifeguard patrols despite billions in new emergency services taxes. - Darren Chester supports reforming the Coalition to unite Liberals and Nationals and deliver stronger government for Australia
Darren Chester welcomes the re-formed Coalition, united to hold Labor to account, focus on cost of living, families, regions and security, and develop sensible policies for a safer, stronger, fairer Australia. - Melina Bath urges parents, carers, and educators to provide submissions to improve child safety by 30 November 2025
Victoria's Child Safety Inquiry calls for public submissions to investigate early childhood education failures, restore family confidence, and recommend reforms ensuring children receive safe, high-quality care and protection. - Darren Chester welcomes Minister Catherine King’s confirmation that the Eastern Beach Road intersection remains a priority
The federal government has increased funding to $6.6 million for the Lakes Entrance road safety upgrade, but Federal MP Darren Chester says state government delays continue to stall the vital project. - Danny O'Brien criticises Labor's police station maintenance cuts despite backflip restoring partial funding for grounds upkeep
Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor's partial backflip on police station maintenance cuts, saying Gippsland officers deserve safe, clean workplaces and stronger government support amid rising regional crime rates. - Danny O’Brien congratulates Gippsland Volunteer Emergency Services on VESEP funding support
Danny O’Brien praised Gippsland volunteer emergency services for VESEP funding, supporting vital equipment, facility upgrades, and ongoing advocacy for a new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel to ensure community safety. - Martin Cameron demands Labor guarantee Traralgon PSOs won’t be removed amid redeployment to retail precincts
Martin Cameron has urged the Allan Labor Government to guarantee PSOs won’t be removed from Traralgon, warning redeployment to shopping centres could compromise safety on the region’s already under-resourced rail network. - Darren Chester urges young Gippslanders to apply for 2026 National Youth Parliament Leadership Program by 21 November 2025
Darren Chester is encouraging Gippsland students aged 16 - 17 to apply for the 2026 National Youth Parliament, offering a fully funded week-long leadership and democracy program in Canberra.
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