Sebastopol’s morning child rises

OWNED by the local Indigenous community, new not-for-profit Sebastopol kindergarten Yirram Burron officially opened during Reconciliation Week.

The centre has been established to offer families education and care by early childhood professionals, that has a focus on First Nations cultures and perspectives, and is affordable.

Yirram Burron translates to morning child in Wadawurrung, and the facility can cater to 22 three-and four-year-old kindergarteners per day, and 16 toddlers and babies in long day care.

The State Government contributed $900,000 to the centre through a Building Blocks Capacity Grant.

Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said the kinder will be a joyful asset to the suburb.

“This community-owned kinder will celebrate Aboriginal culture and ensure our earliest learners are getting the best education,” she said.

Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt said it’s important to support programs that are targeted to a community’s unique cultural needs.

“Yirram Burron will do just that. Creating more places for children to attend kindergarten and ensuring their access to the best facilities across the state is vital to ensuring a world-class early education,” she said.

The kinder is a $1.3 million facility based on Rubicon Street where Sebastopol meets Redan, just up from the shopping strip.