Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes confirmed the site and time frame of the project, which was first announced in July 2024.
A temporary kinder was built following the 2022 floods, with this project replacing the site with permanent facilities.
Rochester Secondary College principal Matt Koutroubas welcomed the confirmation.
“This new, permanent building will allow for greater levels of design and planning and will better cater to the needs of the local community,” he said.
The kinder is in its planning stages, set to be ready for its first young learners by the 2027 school year.
At least two kindergarten rooms will be on-site.
The school will work with the Victorian School Building Authority, which is overseeing the construction.
“We’re mindful of any impacts construction might have on our community, so we’ll be working closely with the VSBA to minimise this,” Mr Koutroubas said.
“The VSBA will create a dedicated webpage for this project so you can track its progress and receive updates.
“This is a great milestone for our school, and I look forward to sharing further updates, including the new kindergarten design, once it becomes available.”
Mr Koutroubas said that operation, enrolments, staffing and programming will be managed by the current kindergarten service provider.
Ms Symes emphasised the benefits of the state’s free kinder scheme, particularly its future improved accessibility in Rochester.
“For young families, free kinder means more choice, more flexibility, and more money in their pockets,” Ms Symes said.
“With this reform, we’re making sure every child in Rochester gets the early education they need to thrive.”
At this stage, the new Lockington early learning and childcare centre, also announced in July 2024, is set to open after 2027.
Campaspe News will share further information as it is available.
Enrolments for places have opened across the state for the 2026 school year.
Although the new Rochester kinder will not be open, for more information on next year’s enrolments, head to vic.gov.au/sending-child-kinder
Questions about the construction works can be directed to the VSBA on 1800 896 950 or by emailing vsba@education.vic.gov.au
The project updates can be viewed and subscribed to via schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/rochester-secondary-college-kindergarten-interim-name
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