St Arnaud Integrated Early Years Service

St Arnaud Integrated Early Years Service

With the Victorian Government's "Best Start, Best Life" reforms in full swing, St Arnaud will benefit from the construction of two new modular pre-prep buildings, scheduled to be operational by early 2025. These facilities represent just part of the state's broader push to improve early years services across Victoria. 

At the national level, the Australian Government's Early Years Strategy (2024-2034) is also laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and accessible early childhood education system.

With the rising cost of living and the growing need for dual-income households, access to reliable childcare is more critical than ever.

Northern Grampians Shire Council and its Stakeholder Reference Group are investigating the early years’ needs of the community and requirements for the future.

Ensuring parents can return to work or contribute to the community without being held back by a lack of childcare options is essential not just for individual families but for the local economy. 

There's a lot happening in the early years space, and by investigating the current needs of St Arnaud and the surrounding community and responding to government changes, council will help build a future where every child in St Arnaud has the support and opportunities to thrive. 

Stakeholder Reference Group

The SRG regularly meets and is briefed on the progress of the pre-prep modular construction.

The SRG's focus now is to help identify the community's early years' service needs and to ensure community voices are heard. This includes identifying aspirations for a future integrated early years centre.

Project Timeline

Achieved 

  1. Establish a Stakeholder Reference Group to guide the project - February to March 2024
  2. Site selection for modular Pre-Prep - May 2024
  3. Planning and construction of Pre-Prep modular buildings – Aug 2024
  4. Undertake demand analysis and review various servicing models

In progress

  1. Undertake demand analysis and review various servicing models - February to May 2024
  2. Assessment of suitable site options - May 2024
  3. Make recommendation to Council – Feb-Mar 2025
  4. Council decision on future integrated service mode – Mar-April 2025 

Please note that this timeline may be subject to change. 

Project Update

We would like to thank the St Arnaud community for their input into shaping the future of early years services within the town. We received over50 responses to the September 2024 survey with resident discussions also helping council and the Stakeholder Reference Group guide decisions in relation to this area. A report will be presented to councillors in early 2025 ensuring your voices inform further planning with regards to potential integrated early years services in St Arnaud.

(Published 16/12/2024)

Contact Us

Location

Northern Grampians Shire Council
40 Napier St
St Arnaud
3478
View Map

Stakeholder Reference Group

Council

Cr Karen Hyslop - Northern Grampians Shire Central Ward Rep

Key Stakeholder Representatives  

Trinity Johns - Principal - St   Patrick's Primary School

Jo Martin - Executive Officer - By Five Innovation and Equity Hub

Russell Steele - St Arnaud Community Action Network (SCAN)

Melissa Mitchell - Principal - St Arnaud Primary School

Debbie Moerkerk  - Early Childhood Improvement Manager (DET)

Community Members

Russell Marland - Principal of Stawell Primary School and a resident of St Arnaud

Emily Gosden - Teacher at St Arnaud Primary School and has two children that attend the ELC

Ailsa Sanderson - Chartered Accountant and has one child that attends the ELC

Further Information

If you would like more information, please email Project Manager, Simon Coutts at simon.coutts@ngshire.vic.gov.au

 

 

Back to top