- Published:
- Friday 1 May 2015
Minister for Families and Children, Jenny Mikakos today joined Whittlesea Mayor, Cr Ricky Kirkham and Member for Yan Yean, Danielle Green to open the Jindi Family and Community Centre in Mernda.
The Jindi Family and Community Centre takes its name from the Woiwurrung word Jindi, meaning “to join or come together”.
The $5.6 million centre offers Mernda families 99 four-year-old kindergarten places, 99 three-year-old kindergarten places, Maternal and Child Health Services and outdoor play spaces. The centre supports working families by offering childcare from 6.30am to 6.30pm.
The project ensures local children’s services have the space and flexibility they need to deliver 15 hours of kindergarten alongside a range of other vital early years programs.
The Andrews Labor Government continues to call on the Federal Government to provide ongoing funding for 15 hours of kindergarten, and end the uncertainty affecting kindergartens and communities across the state.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Families and Children, Jenny Mikakos
“This fantastic new centre gives hundreds of Mernda families access to quality children’s services close to home.”
“15 hours of kindergarten makes a real difference to how children develop and grow, and to how they fare at school.”
“I urge the Federal Government to provide funding certainty to Victorian families, and ensure our kids can continue to access 15 hours of kindergarten beyond this year.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Yan Yean, Danielle Green
“Mernda families really value their childhood services and I’m pleased to be here at the opening of the terrific new Jindi Family and Children’s Centre.”