Strathbogie Shire Council was joined by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes for the significant event for the Avenel community.
The upgrade will involve significant extensions to the buildings, reconfiguration of the entrance, a new reception area, a consultation room and a meeting room. It will also include the provision of a second playroom, all-abilities toilets, new kitchen and a larger storeroom.
A dedicated Maternal and Child Health room will also be included in the upgrade, which will allow for a Maternal and Child Health nurse to be stationed at the new facility on a part-time basis.
Strathbogie Shire Mayor Amanda McClaren said it was great to celebrate the beginning of construction and looks forward to seeing the project come to fruition.
‘‘Residential development is booming here in Avenel and the town has become a popular place for young families to settle, with significant growth in attendance at both Avenel Preschool and the local primary school in the past few years,’’ Cr McClaren said.
‘‘The Avenel community has had limited early childhood services, which has meant families have had to find alternative arrangements in neighbouring towns including Seymour, Nagambie and Shepparton.
‘‘This $526000 upgrade and extension will transform this facility into a one-stop-shop for early childhood and it’s really exciting to be able to turn the first sod today and get things moving on the project,’’ Cr McClaren said.
Construction is scheduled for completion in July.
Extensions will facilitate a greater capacity for kindergarten students, from 28 to about 60 places and will see the integration of an early childhood learning centre, fun groups, supported play groups, as well as after school and, in future, long day care provision.
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