21 Feb 2018 Seymour Telegraph, Seymour VIC (General News) by Gus McCubbing Avenel Preschool will undergo a $526 000 upgrade and expansion to provide greater access for local families, Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced last week. The Victorian Governments funding of $350 000 will see the kindergarten expanded to accommodate increasing enrolments and a range of early years services, including maternal and child health and wellbeing outreach programs. The upgrades will involve significant extensions to the buildings, reconfiguration of the entrance, a new reception area, a consultation room and a meeting room. Extensions will facilitate a greater capacity for kindergarten students, from 28 to about 60 places and allow for integration of an early childhood learning centre, fun groups, supported play groups, as well as after school and in future long day-care provision. The project will see Maternal and Child Health Services colocated at the kindergarten, while also providing a planning and administration space and multipurpose meeting room. Ms Symes said the upgraded facility is intended to become part of a precinct for the community of Avenel, providing increased support to vulnerable families in the area. This exciting upgrade will ensure Avenel families can access quality early childhood services to help their children get ready for school and ready for life, 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 Labor is investing in first-rate early learning facilities. 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 said. The development of the Avenel Kindergarten into a one-stopshop 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: Potential: Strathbogie Shire Mayor Amanda McClaren (left) and Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes (right) with Avenel Kindergarten children. Picture: Strathbogie Shire CouncilLicensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.