Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has continued to campaign for increased childcare facilities across the electorate, posing questions to Ministers in Parliament earlier this week.
During the most recent sitting of Parliament, Ms Cleeland asked the Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Planning to select Avenel as a location for a childcare centre as part of the Government’s 50 new early learning centre commitment.
“Avenel is growing township, housing developments attracting new residents, families, and businesses to the town,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Unfortunately, Avenel is one of many towns across regional Victoria suffering from insufficient childcare facilities.
“With neighbouring towns like Nagambie also struggling with waitlists, it is imperative that Avenel has the facilities needed to provide childcare locally to all who need it.”
Ms Cleeland had recently visited Avenel to meet with members of the Goulburn Regional Preschool Association to learn about the difficulties being faced by regional childcare providers.
Shadow Treasurer Brad Rowswell had also accompanied Ms Cleeland on a previous visit to childcare care providers in Avenel ahead of the 2023/24 State Budget.
“Speaking with local providers, I am told that if the Government allocated a childcare service to Avenel, it can be added to the current kindergarten site,” Ms Cleeland said.
“This would allow for the existing staff to be utilised in both the kindergarten and the childcare facility, with only few extras needed to be hired to provide this service.
“Not having facilities will have a massive impact on the town’s future – with families choosing to relocate most of their lives to bigger centres like Shepparton.
“We have extreme cost of living pressures, as well as a labour crisis –making more accessible childcare so important to ensure parents can return to work and alleviate these issues.”
50 new early learning centres are set to open across Victoria, with Seymour one of the areas already confirmed to be a beneficiary.