Kinder fills a gap for fast-growing town

MARONG’S new $5.5m Marrungi Wayaparra Kindergarten on the corner of Torrens and Cathcart streets was officially opened by Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards and City of Greater Bendigo deputy mayor Cr Karen Corr in June.

Up and running since January and operated by early childhood education provider Y Kinders, the new building has been designed using environmentally sustainable building standards and is fully accessible.

It features three kinder rooms, two allied health rooms, staff facilities, an outdoor play area, kitchen facilities and bathroom amenities.

The facility was funded by the state government to help respond to an unmet demand for three and four-year-old kindergarten places in the region by providing a 99-place early learning centre with allied health rooms.

Its construction is the first stage of a two-stage project to establish the Marrungi Wayaparra Community Hub Marong.

Stage two is not yet scheduled for delivery, with timing subject to future funding. The community hub site also includes the Marong Community Hall, Marong Neighbourhood House and Community Garden and an old fire shed.

Marrungi Wayaparra means meeting in Marong in Dja Dja Wurrung language.