Provider chosen for hub, kinder

NATIONAL childcare provider KU Children’s Services has been chosen to run services at the Bloinks Community Hub (interim name) and Biyala Primary School Kindergarten in Armstrong Creek from Term 1 next year.

The City of Greater Geelong selected the not-for-profit organisation as the preferred provider through an open tender process.

Established in 1895, KU Children’s Services is noted for its commitment to supporting exceptional outcomes for children through high quality, inclusive, play-based learning programs and providing a high level of support to teachers, educators and staff.

Warralily Boulevard’s Bloinks Community Hub will feature a multi-purpose community room, allied health consult suites and 99 kindergarten places, while the Biyala Primary School Kindergarten on Coastside Drive will accept 66 kinder children.

The integrated facilities, built on neighbouring land and connected by a pedestrian path, will provide consistency and help children transition from kindergarten to school.

The delivery of the Bloinks Community Hub is being fast tracked by three years thanks to a grant from the Victorian government.

The city has committed to a co-contribution of up to $3.5 million towards the community hub, which was constructed at Modularity’s Moolap factory.

The two facilities will service the area’s growing population, where 10.6 per cent of residents in Armstrong Creek and Mount Duneed are babies and preschoolers – nearly two times higher than the region’s average.

Another 410 children under four years old are estimated to call the area home by 2026.

Geelong mayor Stretch Kontelj congratulated KU Children’s Services for being selected to run the facilities.

“The Bloinks Community Hub, being delivered three years earlier than planned, is the first modular constructed building to be delivered on city-owned land,” he said.

“We’re proud to co-contribute funding towards these conveniently located facilities that will improve accessibility to family services for this rapidly growing community.”

Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney, said it was clear many people had chosen to make Armstrong Creek their home, and for good reason.

“It’s vibrant, welcoming and full of young children beginning their learning journey,” she said.

“We want local children to have the very best start in modern, inclusive spaces close to home, where families feel supported from day one.

“Projects like this highlight what can be achieved when local government, the community and the Allan Labor government work together to deliver the services and support a growing neighbourhood like Armstrong Creek needs.”

KU Children’s Services chief executive officer Christine Legg said her organisation was thrilled to have won the tender.