Planning ahead for Geelong’s youngest residents

THE City and Victorian Government have identified the needs of our future kindergartens, ensuring we are well informed to invest exactly where our children need it most.

I am proud to announce that the City has co-signed a landmark infrastructure plan with the Victorian Government to make this vision a reality.

The Kindergarten Infrastructure and Services Plan (KISP) looks at demographic trends to provide a clear picture of infrastructure demand for the next decade across Greater Geelong.

This important plan supports the State’s Best Start, Best Life reforms, which will see kindergarten hours doubled for children in the year before they commence school, giving families more access to early learning services and supporting parents’ return to the workforce.

It’s vital that we collaborate with all levels of government to reinforce our commitment to improving access to these high-quality services across our region.

As more people choose to call Geelong home, we need to make sure our infrastructure keeps up.

The KISP will help us paint a clear picture of what the community needs and where, ensuring our smallest residents have spaces where they can learn and grow.

In Armstrong Creek and Mount Duneed, babies and preschoolers make up 10.6 per cent of the population, almost double the average across Greater Geelong. So, the need for facilities to support all levels of education is crucial for our region to thrive.

There are already a number of projects in the growth area that are underway, which will support our region’s young people and families with early education and childcare.

Construction is already gathering pace in Charlemont, where works on the Yirrama Community Hub are now underway.

Once complete, the hub will boast a purpose-built facility offering 132 places for kindergarten services, maternal and child health services, allied health and multipurpose community spaces. The community hub is due to open in January 2027.

In Armstrong Creek, families of little ones have benefited greatly from the recent unveiling of Biyala Community Hub, which opened its doors in time for term 1 of this year.

The hub on Warralily Boulevard has the capacity to host community recreational activities and classes, allied health services and, crucially, a kindergarten is currently accepting three- and four-year-old enrolments for 99 young people.

Thanks to its modular design, the hub was delivered three years ahead of schedule, ensuring more families in our growth area can seek the support of high-quality early years services.

This fast-tracked project was made possible by a Victorian Schools Building Authority’s Building Blocks Capacity – Modular Grant, with a City co-contribution.

The success of this project is in great part thanks to our strong partnership with the State Government as we aim to respond quickly to demand in this growth area.

By prioritising these essential developments, we are building a foundation of excellence that secures a brighter, more sustainable future for every local child.

I look forward to seeing how the different levels of government can continue to collaborate for positive outcomes for our growth region and its future generations.

Cr Andrew Katos

Deakin Ward,

City of Greater Geelong