Council has welcomed today's announcement that it has secured $9.639 million in funding through the Victorian School Building Authority on behalf of the Victorian Government Department of Education to redevelop and expand Mountain View Children's Centre.
The funding announcement marks a major milestone following more than five years of advocacy and planning by Council to address growing demand for early childhood education and care services in Myrtleford.
The new centre will significantly increase childcare and kindergarten capacity, growing from the current 97 places to 160 places, including 66 Long Day Care places, 47 Sessional Kindergarten places, and 47 Integrated Kindergarten places.
Following a comprehensive assessment of potential locations across Myrtleford, it was determined that building a new facility adjacent to the existing Mountain View Children's Centre offered the best outcome for families and would support the most efficient project delivery.
Planning and final design work for the new centre is already progressing, with Council aiming to commence construction in early 2027 and complete the facility by mid-2028.
Alpine Shire Mayor, Cr Sarah Nicholas, said the funding announcement would deliver lasting benefits for local children, families and the broader community.
"This is fantastic news for Myrtleford families and for our entire community," she said.
"Council has worked tirelessly for more than five years to secure funding for this important project and we're thrilled that the Victorian Government, through the Victorian School Building Authority and Department of Education, has recognised the need and provided this significant investment.
"The expanded centre will help meet increasing demand for early childhood education and care, providing more opportunities for local families to access high-quality services close to home.
By increasing capacity from 97 to 160 places, we are investing not only in our children but also in our community's future prosperity, workforce participation and liveability."
Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, visited the Centre in Myrtleford on Friday to make the announcement, representing a significant investment in the community's future.
“Exciting changes are coming to Myrtleford, and this investment will deliver more kindergarten places, more day care places and more services for young families," she said.
“We’re expanding access to early education and care in Myrtleford and connecting more families with the services they need.”
Alpine Children's Services Chief Executive Officer, Tanya Scott, welcomed the funding announcement, and said quality facilities create the foundations for quality learning, care, and connection.
"This investment will give children a safe, welcoming, and inspiring place to grow, while strengthening services and opportunities for families across our community for generations to come," she said.
"We are deeply grateful to the Victorian Government and Alpine Shire Council for recognising the importance of investing in our youngest citizens and the community that surrounds them.
Cr Nicholas said Council looked forward to continuing its partnership with the Victorian Government and Alpine Children's Services as the project progresses.
"We thank the Victorian Government for this investment in our community and look forward to seeing this project come to life over the next two years."