Wednesday, 18 February 2026

 Nicole WERNER (Warrandyte) (14:43): (1514) My question is to the Minister for Education. Donvale Preschool in my electorate has been closed for nearly a month this term, and families still have no confirmed reopening date. These children already lost two weeks at the end of last year due to construction works, and my office has been contacted by families who say they have been experiencing considerable strain, having to make last-minute care arrangements for their children without clear guidance as to when normal operations will resume. Families have also expressed how the prolonged disruption is having a significant impact on their children’s learning, development and wellbeing during what is a critical early education period. The temporary site at Donvale Primary School hall is fully set up and ready to welcome students, but parents tell me they are simply waiting on paperwork and licences from the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority and the Department of Education. Can the minister inform the house when final approvals will be granted and provide a confirmed reopening date so families in Donvale can finally have the certainty they deserve?