By KERRI-ANNE MESNER
CONSTRUCTION of the $3 million Springside Children’s Hub, which will give Caroline Springs residents a one-stop family services centre, officially got under way this month with a formal ground-breaking ceremony.
Children and Early Childhood Development Minister Maxine Morand, Melton Shire mayor Bruce Rowan, and Caroline Springs College director Gabrielle Leigh attended the ceremony.
The Springside Children’s Hub will be a joint-use facility bringing together key early years and children’s services on one site. Services at the hub will include a campus of Caroline Springs College from kindergarten to Year 9, maternal and child health, occasional care and other related community services.
Construction of stage one of the facility has already started. Delivery of the dual kindergarten/maternal and child health and occasional care services are scheduled to be available by first term 2009.
Ms Morand said that births in Melton had grown by 77 per cent since 2001, with 1669 in the 2006-07 financial year.
“The population of the Shire of Melton is growing rapidly and these are just the kind of services young families need.
“We know that a child’s learning and development begins from day one and that a child’s early experiences have a profound impact on their future prospects.
“That is why we are combining these services, in many cases, in one convenient location.”
The Springside facility will be designed, constructed and fitted out under a joint agreement between Melton Shire Council, the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development and Caroline Springs College.
Through the Department of Human Services contributed $1.2 million towards the project.
“By co-locating essential early years services close to school sites, we are supporting Victorian families and also helping children feel familiar with the broader community and school environment as they make the important transition to school,” Ms Morand said.
Cr Rowan said Springside would be an excellent resource for the community.
“This new facility will meet the needs of many families in our growing and vibrant shire. When complete, the joint use centre will provide up to 160 extra kindergarten places and occasional care services to address the growing need for children’s services within the shire’s Eastern Growth Corridor,” he said.
