A brand-new childcare and family centre will soon be constructed in Officer South, providing more kindergarten places for children in the fast-growing suburb.

Local Government Minister Shaun Leane joined local MPs Harriet Shing and Jordan Crugnale today to turn the first sod on the $7.7 million Officer South Integrated Child and Family Centre.

When complete, the new centre will provide more than 130 kindergarten places for families in Officer South and the surrounding area, alongside five consulting rooms for maternal and child health services and two community rooms for events and classes.

The centre is joint funded by $1.5 million from the Growing Suburbs Fund and $2 million from the Training Facilities and Capital Funding. Cardinia Shire Council has also committed $4.2 million.

The Growing Suburbs Fund is a $325 million investment over six years in critical local infrastructure in Melbourne’s diverse and fast-growing outer suburbs.

Since 2015, Cardinia Shire Council has received over $26 million in funding to support the delivery of 14 priority projects.

More information on the Growing Suburbs Fund is available at: localgovernmentvic.gov.au/growing-suburbs-fund.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Local Government Shaun Leane

“The Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund provides vital community infrastructure and continues to deliver results for Melbourne’s fast-growing suburbs.”

“The Officer South Integrated Child and Family Centre will be a great benefit for children growing up in this fast-growing community and I’m pleased the Growing Suburbs Fund has helped to make it happen.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“More and more young families are moving into Officer South and this new centre will ensure there’s kindergarten space nearby for everyone who needs it.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale

“It’s great to see continued investment for young families in Cardinia Shire from across the State Government. This new centre will be an important asset for the community and I can’t wait to see it up and running.”