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Cash boost to Casey child care
Troy Kearns
02Jul08
THREE Casey children's services have welcomed almost $180,000 in State Government funding for renovations and refurbishments.
Merinda Park Learning and Community Centre received $100,000 to extend its childcare room, Hampton Park Care Group received $50,000 to replace its playground equipment and tan bark and Coral Drive Kindergarten in Hampton Park East received $27,500 to improve its outdoor learning environment.
Merinda Park Community Centre manager Jan Gilchrist said there would now be more places for children in the occasional care, before and after school care and holiday care programs.
"Many, many families are on our waiting list," she said. "Children are usually palmed off to grandparents and don't have the interaction with other children. Some of those families will now be able to utilise our services."
Narre Warren South state Labor MP Judith Graley said the funding ensured families continued to have access to quality learning facilities close to home.
"With more than 40 new families moving into Casey each week, combined with a once-in-a-generation baby boom across the state, the Government recognises that we must continue to invest strongly in early childhood services," she said.
Casey councillor Steve Beardon said Merinda Park Community Centre would become a hub for Casey.
"The $100,000 was well and truly needed," he said. "The provision to expand the centre is warmly welcomed, especially with the growth of Cranbourne and surrounding suburbs."
The funding is part of the Brumby Government's $38.56 million investment in early childhood capital services announced in December.
