30 years of care at Girrabanya

PAST and present attendees, educators, and community representatives have celebrated three decades of Girrabanya Children’s Centre

The municipal early childcare facility turned 30 last weekend, having been established in 1992. For the last three years, it’s been both an early learning and childcare hub, following $1.35 million in upgrades.

Jaimee Mayne was part of the centre’s earliest intake, enrolled from a toddler, up until primary school, and she said although much has changed, the place carries the same atmosphere from her time there.

“It’s obviously grown over the years, but the layout still feels a bit familiar. The street out the front and the building itself brings out a lot of memories,” she said.

“It’s expanded and renovated and had continuous works in the gardens, but I feel like the essence of it is still very much the same.

“It’s still very family-centred, very community-based, nurturing. It’s still a place where the children can be themselves and thrive.

“My favourite memories of coming here are getting to have the zucchini slice they would make for us. It was always homecooked meals at lunchtime.”

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said Girrabanya has played an important role in the city’s early learning story.

“Thinking about the history of Ballarat, it really is extraordinary that there’s been 30 years of this incredible centre,” she said.

“This is a contemporary childcare and children’s centre that’s really kept up with the needs and expectations that we have.

“Our littlest learners deserve so much, whether it’s structured play or whether it’s reading or words or everything like that.”