A community-owned and led early learning centre embracing and embedding Aboriginal perspective into its service is now open to families living in Sebastopol, ensuring more local kindergarten places thanks to an Andrews Labor Government investment.

Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt and Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle announced the new Yirram Burron centre open, supporting Ballarat’s growing Aboriginal community and combatting existing barriers the community has faced in getting equal access to early childhood education and care.

The $1.3 million centre, whose name means ‘Morning Child’, is a place where children can access affordable, high-quality education and care, delivered by an expert team of qualified educators, with an emphasis on culture, education, and community.

Yirram Burron will offer 22 daily places for three-and four-year-old kindergarten and 16 for long day care, aimed at children not old enough for kindergarten.

In an Australian-first, the Labor Government is investing almost $5 billion to deliver two-years of funded kinder for all Victorian children.

As part of this roll-out, the Government is expanding infrastructure through a $1.68 billion co-investment with the early childhood sector in new and expanded kindergarten facilities across the state.

To find out more visit: schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/yirram-burron-morning-children

Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Ingrid Stitt

“We are supporting early childhood education programs that are led by the community, and their cultural needs – Yirram Burron will do just that.”

“Creating more places for children to attend kindergarten and ensuring their access to the best facilities across the state is vital to ensuring a world-class early education.”

Quote attributable to Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle

“We’re proud to be boosting early childhood services in Sebastopol – especially one owned and run by our local Indigenous community. We know how important the early years are in setting our kids up for the rest of their lives.”

Quote attributable for the Member for Wendouree Juliana Addison

“It is an absolute joy to open Yirram Burron Kindergarten during National Reconciliation Week. This community owned kinder will celebrate Aboriginal culture and ensure our earliest learners are getting the best education.”