A new Child and Family Learning Centre in West Ulverstone has opened its doors, providing a “safe, supportive and welcoming space” for young children and their families.
The Blue Gum Centre is one of six new government facilities being built across the state, with a total of 15 now open and three more to come online later this year.
Minister for Children and Youth Roger Jaensch said the centre will provide support for expectant parents and families with children aged zero to five.
“The purpose of our Child and Family Learning Centres is to work with the community to improve the health, wellbeing, education and care of Tasmania’s children in their early years by supporting parents and enhancing the accessibility of services in the local community,” Jaensch said.
“This is a place where they can access quality early learning, health, support and outreach services.
The new facility has been designed with input from a local enabling group and is reportedly already welcoming hundreds of people each week, including multi-generational families.
“This centre is already seeing up to 100 people per day visiting since opening in January,” said Minister for Education Jo Palmer.
“I congratulate the staff, families, Local Enabling Group and designer David Denman and Associates and building contractor Vos Construction and Joinery for their input and work into establishing this space for the local community to enjoy.”
Four new child and family learning centres are being built in Huonville, Smithton, Longford and Scottsdale with $32 million in funding from the state government.
At the state election, the opposition proposed 30 new childcare centres across Tasmania, making 4,500 additional spaces.
“A Labor Government will allocate $75 million for capital works and make government land and buildings available,” then Labor Leader Rebecca White said at the time.
The Liberals say the approximate cost of a new early learning centre is $8 million.
“Labor’s allocation would be lucky to build even a tin shed, let alone 30 new childhood learning centres,” Minister Roger Jaensch said on the campaign trial in February.
“The actual cost of Labor’s latest hoax is more like $320 million – plus the cost of actually staffing and operating them.”
