Centre opens its doors for day one of kinder

THE doors are open at the new Kurrambee Myaring Community Centre (KMCC), which accepted its first kinder classes on Monday.

The opening marks the first day of kindergarten of 2018 for children, with the Merrijig Drive centre supporting more than 100 families who are using kinder and occasional care services.

Surf Coast mayor David Bell said the $6.8 million centre was a welcoming space for everyone. “The centre has a ‘No Wrong Door’ policy, which means anyone who enters the centre searching for a service will be supported to find the help they need.

“It’s already demonstrating its importance to our fast-growing community – we’ll have 117 children using the centre from week one. It’s a wonderful addition to our community and civic precinct in the north of Torquay.”

The centre is a multi-generational facility helping to support all community members. As well as four kindergarten rooms, the centre has an occasional care room, private breastfeeding/changing facilities and a space for young people.

The Maternal Child Health service will start to operate from the centre later this month.

Torquay Ward councillor Rose Hodge was delighted to see the centre completed, and highlighted its accessibility.

“We want to create an inclusive community where everyone can participate – a goal that this facility supports as there is an accessible change facility for adults,” she said. “I’m looking forward to the seeing the community, including children, enjoy their new space.”

KMCC has three consulting rooms, three multipurpose rooms and a kitchen the public can hire. Environmentally friendly design features include solar panels, water tanks, and a herb and vegetable garden.

“We’d welcome enquiries from community and service organisations looking to use the facilities,” Cr Hodge said.

The centre, delivered within budget, was supported by a $1.6 million grant from the state government. An official opening event is being planned for April.

Kurrambee Myaring is an Aboriginal name meaning “Merry-laugh, here in this place”.