Trikki Kidz Early Learning Group has built a new centre in Yarrawonga which is set to open in October.
Yarrawonga is set for a childcare boom with two new centres to open in the next six months and another proposed, almost trippling the current position numbers.
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Trikki Kidz Early Learning Group is building a service in Yarrawonga behind Bunnings on Enterprise Way to cater for 125 children with Country Buddies Childcare and Kindergarten Centre also expanding next to the Yarrawonga Medical Complex on Woods Road to cater for 108 children. Another centre with up to 120 places is in the planning stages and is proposed to be built on zoned land alongside the Murray Valley Highway in Glanmire Park.
The current Country Buddies Childcare and Kindergarten Centre service which is situated on Derry Drive caters for 119 children aged six weeks to six years old with the Goodstart Early Learning Child Care Centre on Telford Street being a 65-place centre caring for children aged six weeks to five years in four age specialised rooms.
Trikki Kidz approved provider Trudy Brooks said the childcare provider in Cobram and Barooga was receiving a myriad of enrolments from Yarrawonga, deeming it a ‘no brainer’ to expand their services to the growing town.
“Trikki Kidz Yarrawonga is on track for completion in early October. We hope to open shortly thereafter, subject to Department licensing,” Ms Brooks said.
“Trikki Kidz Early Learning Group has been operating in the neighbouring towns of Barooga and Cobram since 2007 and 2018, respectively.
“Over the past few years, we were accepting an increasing number of enrolments from Yarrawonga families prepared to travel as they were experiencing difficulty accessing care in Yarrawonga.
“Families were pleading with us to build a service in Yarrawonga so we made the decision to add a third service to our small group.”
Ms Brooks added that having another childcare option in town, especially with the vast growth of the area, will entice families of all ages to move to the region.
“Yarrawonga is a beautiful place for families to live. It has so much to offer with regards to lifestyle,” Ms Brooks said.
“The population is growing at a rapid pace. Having more childcare places will assist families who are thinking of moving to the area.
“It will also enable both parents to work if they choose and know that their child is receiving quality education and care.
“Country Buddies and Trikki Kidz are both family owned and operated services with a history of success.
“Family-owned services are known for being more employee friendly and socially responsible.
“They are also more trustworthy, and customer focused.
“I think these attributes will be a wonderful addition to the existing childcare services in Yarrawonga, being community not for profit services and large corporate services.”
Country Buddies Childcare and Kindergarten Centre Yarrawonga Centre Director Melissa Riches said the new Country Buddies will be open in January 2024 and is licensed to cater for 108 children aged six weeks to six years.
“Country Buddies is a family owned and operated service that has been open in Yarrawonga since January 2009, providing quality care and education to the community,” Ms Riches said.
“Since that time the towns need for care and education has expanded significantly.
“We listened to our families and the community and decided that we needed to help fill the gap in the childcare shortage.
“We acknowledge that many families have moved to the area without a family support network around them and we hope to fill that void as well.
Under Construction: Country Buddies Childcare and Kindergarten Centre is opening a second centre on Woods Road which is set to open in January 2024.
“The building of our new centre as well as Trikki Kidz coming to town will mean that families will now be able to look at real work opportunities that will help with cost of living which is a concern.
“It will mean families can secure work knowing that they will be able to get quality care within the town.
“With our current Country Buddies and our new service in Woods Road we look forward to continuing to create strong links with families and the community.”
Moira Shire Chair of the Panel of Administrators John Tanner AM also welcomed the announcement of two new child care centres in Yarrawonga.
“As part of our ongoing commitment to the well-being and growth of our local communities, the centres highlight the crucial role that they play in the future of our children and supporting families.”
Mr Tanner said childcare centres were not just places where children were supervised but were vital hubs to provide a nurturing and educational environment for children.
He also added that the shire was committed to supporting the growth of childcare centres to ensure the municipality thrives.
“These centres offer a multitude of benefits that have a profound effect on the social, emotional, and cognitive development of children, while also supporting working parents and promoting community cohesion,” he said.
“They offer a lifeline for working parents, especially mothers, by allowing them to pursue their careers while knowing that their children are in a safe and enriching environment.
“I would like to see every child having access to high-quality early education and care, laying the foundation for a brighter and more promising society.”
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