Child care gets boost

By Paul Dunlop
PLANS for a new children’s services centre in Pakenham have won a $500,000 boost.
Victorian Minister for Children and Community Services Sheryl Garbutt was in town last Friday to announce the State Government’s contribution towards the $1.68 million centre planned by Cardinia Shire Council for Lakeside at Pakenham.
The centre, to be completed next year, will provide a number of facilities under one roof for young families to access services in the rapidly growing area.
The centre features a double unit kindergarten, maternal and child health centre, occasional care, playgroup, consulting rooms and other community programs.
Ms Garbutt’s announcement was welcomed by council chief executive officer Don Welsh who said families currently had to travel to Beaconsfield or central Pakenham to access services for children.
“Kindergartens in Pakenham are experiencing high enrolments, with most kinders operating to capacity and holding waiting lists,” he said.
“I thank the State Government for recognising the enormous cost of providing facilities for Cardinia’s growing population of young families, particularly along the Princes Highway growth corridor.”
Gembrook MP Tammy Lobato joined Minister for Garbutt for the announcement and welcomed the funding.
Ms Lobato recently called in State Parliament for extra services and facilities to be developed in the Lakeside area.
She said the Bracks Labor Government was committed to ensuring children had the best possible start by giving families access to crucial child care, kindergarten and maternal and child health facilities.
Mr Welsh said at the funding announcement that the State Government’s $500,000 contribution would make an enormous difference to the project.
“Council looks forward to being able to deliver a really magnificent facility,” he said.
Ms Garbutt said the Lakeside centre was a great example of local communities and the State Government working together.