St Leonards early learning centre confirmed after years of waiting

A LONG-AWAITED early learning centre for St Leonards has been locked in, with the state government confirming a new childcare and kindergarten facility for the township.

It ends years of uncertainty for residents who had feared the centre could instead be delivered in nearby Portarlington, despite sustained local advocacy.

The government-owned and operated centre is expected to open in 2028, delivering free kindergarten alongside long day care, as well as maternal and child health services and flexible community spaces.

The new site will sit on a parcel of parish land, next to St Leonards Primary School.

It comes after nearly a decade of calls for local early learning infrastructure, with the need for a community hub in St Leonards first identified in 2016.

The lack of childcare options has been a longstanding issue for the growing township, forcing families to travel to Drysdale or Portarlington to access services.

“This will help meet the strong demand for early childhood education and give families the support they’ve been advocating for,” Bellarine MP Alison Marchant said.

“Any change to parish land is significant, and so I do want to acknowledge the local church community, who continue to play such an important role in our town.

“The new centre will make a real difference for families, support parents returning to work and create a nurturing space for young learners.”

The project forms part of the state government’s rollout of 50 Early Learning Victoria sites across the state, targeted at high-need areas.

A separate two-room kindergarten will also be built at Bellarine Secondary College in Ocean Grove. It is due to open in 2027 with capacity for up to 118 children.

Marchant said the new facilities would provide more options for local families.

“This is fantastic news for the Bellarine community,” she said.

“These new services will provide Bellarine parents and caregivers with more early learning options close to home.”