Work on kinder at Oberon Primary begins

CONSTRUCTION on a new kindergarten on the grounds of Oberon Primary School has begun.

The new modular kindergarten, which will provide more local families access to a high-quality education program close to home, will have three kinder rooms and offer up to 99 kindergarten places to local three and four-year-olds.

It is forecast to be operational by day one, term one next year.

Modular kindergartens are constructed off site in a factory, in sections known as modules, to take advantage of faster construction times which minimise disruptions. Builders then assemble the modules on site before connecting utilities, completing outdoor play areas and landscaping grounds.

Positioning kindergartens on or close to schools supports children to get the most out of their early learning, makes drop-off more convenient for busy parents and carers, and helps with a smoother transition to primary school.

Geelong MP Christine Couzens toured the site in Belmont on Wednesday last week with Oberon High School principal Stuart McCoombe and assistant principal Matt Nalder.

“Parents and carers in Belmont spoke to me about the need for more kindergarten places in the area from 2026,” Ms Couzens said.

“This new kinder in Belmont will give more children in the area the chance to attend a great local kindergarten, where they can learn, play and make new friends.”

The Victorian government says it is spending billions to build and expand hundreds of kindergartens across the state, supporting the delivery of 15 hours of three-year-old kindergarten each week by 2029 and up to 30 hours of Pre-Prep each week by 2036.

“We’re delivering unprecedented investment in early childhood services so our children can get the most out of great local kindergartens,” Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said.

“We’re proud to be funding early childhood infrastructure because we know how important the early years are in setting our kids up for the rest of their lives.”