21 Feb 2018 Euroa Gazette, Euroa VIC (General News) by Will Murray LAST week Jaclyn Symes (MLC, Northern Victoria) visited Avenel Preschool to announce a $526,000 upgrade and expansion to the kindergarten, thanks to a partnership between the Victorian Government and the Shire of Strathbogie. On behalf of the State Governments Childrens Facilities Capital Program, Ms Symes handed over a cheque for $350,000 to the project, which will help cater for a growth in enrolments, and in the developement of maternal and child health and wellbeing programs. The project will include extensions to the buildings, a new reception area, and new consultation and meeting rooms. The extension will allow for nearly double the current student capacity, with space for around 60 students, up from 28. An expanded kindergarten will also have space for integrating an early childhood learning centre, play groups, after school care, and Maternal and Child Health Services on-site. A newly expanded preschool will help futureproof Avenel and surrounding areas against an increasing population, as well as increasing the facilities ability to provide support to vulnerable families in the area. The opportunities that this type of investment open up for the economy of the town, and the ability for families to move here is amazing, Ms Symes said. We know that high-quality early years education and care are vital to giving our children the best start in life, which is why we are investing in first-rate early learning facilities in Avenel. Strathbogie Shire mayor Amanda McClaren said the funding announcement provides much needed support to families of Avenel and the surrounding district. The Avenel community has had limited early childhood services which has meant families have had to find alternative arrangements in surrounding towns including Seymour, Nagambie and Shepparton, Cr McClaren explained. The development of the Avenel Kindergarten into a one-stop-shop for early childhood is going to be a massive source of support for families in the town and ensure the current and future needs of the community are being met. Caption Text: BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes (left) and Strathbogie Shire mayor Amanda McClaren (right) with Avenel Kindergarten children to deliver exciting news about the funding.Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.