Better access for kinder’s little learners

MOUNT Clear Kindergarten has been made more accessible with support from the State Government and the City of Ballarat as part of the Mount Clear Accessibility Improvements Project.

A municipal facility operated by the Eureka Community Kindergarten Association, mayor Cr Des Hudson said Mount Clear Kindergarten’s accessibility upgrades are about making the space more welcoming.

“The Mount Clear Accessibility Improvements Project is about ensuring children have access to suitable and accessible kindergarten infrastructure, so they can get the best start to their education,” he said.

“We know that people living with disabilities are more likely to face barriers to inclusion, which is why it is so important that we take practical action to foster a truly inclusive Ballarat.

“We are thankful to the State Government for their investment in this project and are very proud to help deliver it for the families of Mount Clear.”

The upgrades were carried out with $118,600 through the State Government’s Building Blocks program and more than $143,000 from the City of Ballarat.

Accessibility improvements have included the widening of two doorways, a levelling of indoor and outdoor floorspaces, the removal of non-compliant steps, and two access ramps for the kinder yard.

There is a wheelchair-friendly entry into the kinder’s sandpit which has also been upgraded with a covered shade structure, while an old pergola has been removed from the site. Existing handrails have also been refabricated.

Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle said the project is about ensuring equal opportunities for young learners.

“There shouldn’t be any barriers to education, including access to facilities,” she said.

“That’s why we’ve provided Mount Clear Kindergarten with the funding they need to make their buildings and playspaces more accessible for our local kids, parents, and staff.”