Official opening of upgraded Edenhope Early Childhood Service
Published on 15 November 2024
West Wimmera Shire Council marked a milestone on Friday with the official opening of the newly upgraded Edenhope Early Childhood Service.
The $400,000 redevelopment included significant changes to the service’s building and yard.
The facility houses Edenhope’s kindergarten, childcare services, and before-and-after kindergarten care.
The works, which were completed earlier this year, included upgrades to the building’s bathroom, laundry, and storage facilities to enable inclusive access for all children.
These updates enhance supervision, storage options, and hygienic practices at the centre, providing increased safety, privacy, and dignity for everyone.
The outdoor learning environment was also redeveloped, and it now boasts all-abilities access and creates a consistent flow between indoor and outdoor learning areas.
Council received two grants from the Department of Education and Training’s Building Blocks grant program for the works.
One grant of $342,199.77 was used to upgrade the building’s interior, and the other grant, for $70,000, was used to upgrade the yard.
The Edenhope Kindergarten Parent Advisory Group contributed $6000 towards these projects.
Mayor Tim Meyer officially opened the facility at a special ceremony on Friday.
Cr Meyer said the redevelopment was about ensuring every child, regardless of their ability, had access to the best possible environment for learning and growth.
“Our early childhood services play a crucial role in the lives of children and families,” he said.
“Kindergarten is where children build the foundations for a lifetime of learning.
“This project ensures every child has the tools and environment needed to thrive.”
Cr Meyer thanked the Department of Education for funding this crucial upgrade.
West Wimmera Shire Council’s early years has been significantly boosted in the past few years, with similar redevelopments happening in other towns.
Goroke Kindergarten’s yard was updated in 2022, while Kaniva Kindergarten’s yard was updated in 2020, and renovations to the building were completed in October 2022.