Thursday, 23 June 2022

Ms STITT (Western Metropolitan—Minister for Workplace Safety, Minister for Early Childhood)

Incorporated pursuant to order of Council of 7 September 2021:

I was very pleased to open the spectacular new kinder at Billy Button Children’s Centre in Footscray last week.

It was great to join the member for Footscray, Katie Hall MP, as well as representatives from Maribyrnong City Council and others involved in delivering this excellent integrated early learning centre.

This kinder has been delivered through a partnership between the Andrews Labor government and Maribyrnong City Council, totalling more than $7.8 million.

The kinder will service three- and four-year-olds, providing kinder, long day care, large outdoor play and education spaces, and maternal and child health services to the local community.

I’m also very glad that the centre is located right next to the local primary school as part of the Footscray learning precinct, helping ensure that the transition from kinder to school is as smooth as possible for children and parents. I would also like to acknowledge the advocacy of Melissa Horne MP, member for Williamstown, and one of the founding members of SKY High—a local community group calling for more education options in the west.

This centre will support the growing demand for early years and education services in the local area, and I was privileged to meet Billy Button’s hardworking team of educators.

This is yet another example of the Andrews Labor government’s landmark investment in early childhood education for children across for Victoria.

Through world-class new facilities like Billy Button Children’s Centre, and now through this government’s $9 billion Best Start, Best Life investment in early childhood, we’re ensuring that every family can access two years of a great kindergarten education.