Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Mount Dandenong Preschool

Daniela DE MARTINO (Monbulk) (19:06): (1194) My adjournment matter is directed to the Minister for Children in the other place, and the action I seek is for the minister to visit the newly rebuilt Mount Dandenong Preschool, now co-located with Mount Dandenong Primary School, to see firsthand this wonderful early years facility. As the minister would be aware, the original Mount Dandenong Preschool was permanently damaged four years ago during the devastating storms which hit the Dandenong Ranges on 9 June 2021, when a tree fell through it. In the aftermath the preschool was temporarily relocated to Olinda Primary School while plans were developed for a permanent rebuild.

Thanks to the collaborative efforts of our Victorian government, the Yarra Ranges council, the Victorian School Building Authority and the local community, the new preschool has now been completed on the grounds of Mount Dandenong Primary School. This co-location has created a vibrant integrated learning environment that includes a kindergarten room, a multipurpose community space, a health consulting room and an outdoor learning area. It is a shining example of how we can rebuild not just infrastructure but community confidence and connection in the wake of a natural disaster. I know the minister is passionate about early childhood education and community resilience, and I look forward to her response.