If you ask anyone living in or around the Torquay area, they\u2019ll tell you it\u2019s the kind of place where there\u2019s a strong sense of community. Peopleknow each other, they help each other out, and their children grow up together.<\/p>\n
That same sense of community is an essential part of Torquay YMCA Early Learning Centre, which opens this Monday 9 October.<\/p>\n
\u201cJoining the Centre is a great opportunity to create something amazing for families and the local community,\u201d says Jess Jablan, the Centre\u2019s early learning director. Geelong born-and-bred Jess heads a team of caring and professional early childhood educators who will help children get to know their local community and spend time outdoors.<\/p>\n
Community is also important to Centre cook Dzung (pronounced \u2018yoong\u2019) Nguyen, who moved down here from inner city Melbourne a few years ago. \u201cNever having been near Geelong before, initially I was unsure but now I\u2019ve become a kind of unoffi cial ambassador, telling all my Melbourne friends to move here too.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dzung is right behind the Centre\u2019s policy of buying all its fresh produce from local Torquay suppliers. \u201cThat\u2019s ideal,\u201d she says. \u201cWe get the freshest ingredients, and they don\u2019t have to travel far. We\u2019re also keen to involve children in growing foods to use in their meals at the Centre.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jess says the Centre will be a great place for children to make new friends. Families will be able to meet families with children of similar ages at the Centre and through the new community hub shared with Torquay North Primary School (interim name) next door, which opens in first term 2018. Being based at the school means children moving from the Centre to the primary school will benefit from a smooth and confident transition.<\/p>\n
\u201cOur aim is to become part of the heart of the local Torquay community, helping children grow up with a strong sense of belonging and a love of the natural environment,\u201d she says. \u201cCome and see us in action at our Grand Opening Celebration this Saturday 7 October,\u201d says Jess. \u201cIf you\u2019re thinking of moving to the area, why not make a day of it and check out the local real estate as well.\u201d<\/p>\n
surfcoast.ymca.org.au<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
If you ask anyone living in or around the Torquay area, they\u2019ll tell you it\u2019s the kind of place where there\u2019s a strong sense of community. Peopleknow each other, they help each other out, and their children grow up together. That same sense of community is an essential part of Torquay YMCA Early Learning Centre, […]<\/p>\n