Marong early learning centre takes shape

CONSTRUCTION of Marong’s new $5.5 million early learning centre is well and truly underway.

The project will deliver an integrated facility with three kindergarten rooms, two allied health rooms, a staff room, outdoor play area, kitchen facilities and bathroom amenities.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards had a site visit alongside City of Greater Bendigo’s Russell McLean and mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf, and Lee Walsh from Franklin and Walsh Builders last week.

“We’re working hard to address the need for three and four-year kinder places across our community, and it’s great to see this project progressing in one of Bendigo’s key growth areas,” Ms Edwards said.

“With the population set to rise in Marong over the coming years, investing in this important infrastructure now is crucial to the future of the area,” Ms Edwards had previously said.

“This kinder will help to support the successful roll-out of our landmark Best Start, Best Life reforms, and will create a new and expanded kindergarten for Marong.”

The project will allow the centre to offer 178 kinder places to local three and four-year-olds and is forecast to be operational at the start of 2026.

The $5.5 million project was announced in 2023 through a Building Blocks Capacity grant, which contributes to kindergarten infrastructure and supports the roll-out of three-year-old kindergarten and the Best Start, Best Life reforms across Victoria over the next decade.

Since its launch in 2020, Building Blocks has provided more than $235 million to plan, build and improve early childhood services throughout the state.