PAST and present attendees, educators, and community representatives have celebrated three decades of Girrabanya Children\u2019s Centre<\/p>\n
The municipal early childcare facility turned 30 last weekend, having been established in 1992. For the last three years, it\u2019s been both an early learning and childcare hub, following $1.35 million in upgrades.<\/p>\n
Jaimee Mayne was part of the centre\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s expanded and renovated and had continuous works in the gardens, but I feel like the essence of it is still very much the same.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s still very family-centred, very community-based, nurturing. It\u2019s still a place where the children can be themselves and thrive.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy favourite memories of coming here are getting to have the zucchini slice they would make for us. It was always homecooked meals at lunchtime.\u201d<\/p>\n
Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison said Girrabanya has played an important role in the city\u2019s early learning story.<\/p>\n
\u201cThinking about the history of Ballarat, it really is extraordinary that there\u2019s been 30 years of this incredible centre,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a contemporary childcare and children\u2019s centre that\u2019s really kept up with the needs and expectations that we have.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur littlest learners deserve so much, whether it\u2019s structured play or whether it\u2019s reading or words or everything like that.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PAST and present attendees, educators, and community representatives have celebrated three decades of Girrabanya Children\u2019s Centre The municipal early childcare facility turned 30 last weekend, having been established in 1992. For the last three years, it\u2019s been both an early learning and childcare hub, following $1.35 million in upgrades. Jaimee Mayne was part of the […]<\/p>\n