New early learning centres progressing

Construction is set to begin in coming weeks, starting with the demolition of an old, disused classroom wing on the east end of the site, next to Wilmot Rd Primary School.

The old building will be replaced with the new, state-of-the-art, 130-place centre expected for an early 2026 opening.

In 2024, the government announced development of a new kindergarten on the grounds of Kialla West Primary School, catering for about 70 students. It is also expected to open next year.

The new builds follow major investment of $140.5 million in the Shepparton Education Plan and its capital works projects: Mooroopna Family and Children’s Centre on the grounds of Mooroopna Primary School and Greater Shepparton Secondary College, which opened in 2022.

This year also saw the opening of the first stage of Banmira Specialist School – a $24.8 million investment in children with special needs.

The junior campus of Banmira (formerly Verney Road School) opened on the site of the former Wanganui Park Secondary College, incorporating the “old” foundations, courtyard and some brickwork into the new, contemporary specialist school.

While both the new early learning centres will cater for three- and four-year-old kindergarten, the Wilmot Rd early learning centre will also see specialist services for south Shepparton families, like maternal and child health.

The co-location of the upcoming developments with Wilmot Rd Primary School and Kialla West Primary School will help our youngest students transition seamlessly into primary school.

Kialla West Principal Wes Teague said the pending development was exciting news for his school community.

“We’re in a growth area and this will help incoming kindergarten children socialise and be ready for primary school,” he said.

“It will also be easier for some of our larger families, who will have a single drop-off and pick-up for their pre-school and primary-aged children.”