The Y welcomed Mathew Hilakari, Member for Point Cook, to the Point Cook Early Learning Centre located on Tom Roberts Parade to see the completed outdoor redevelopment and spend time with children during a cooking activity, showcasing the service’s focus on hands-on, everyday learning experiences.
The outdoor redevelopment was supported through $199,500 in Victorian Government Building Blocks Inclusion Grant funding, creating a more inclusive play environment that supports children of all abilities and learning styles.
The visit also highlighted the next improvement planned for the service, a $48,440 Building Blocks Minor Infrastructure Grant to upgrade the kitchen. The upgrade will support both the Early Learning Centre and the co-located Outside School Hours Care program. It will also better connect the kitchen and the outdoor garden so children can be part of cooking and food-based learning.
The team also shared some of the everyday ways the centre supports local families, including preparing halal meals and tailoring support for children with diverse needs.
Y Victoria CEO Carolyn Morris said the upgrades reflect the community the service supports every day.
We want families to feel welcome from the moment they arrive. That means inclusive spaces, strong support for children with diverse needs, and everyday learning experiences like cooking that connect with the cultures and routines of local families Carolyn Morris, Y Victoria CEO
The Y thanked Mr Hilakari for making the time to visit, and thanked Centre Manager Jasmeet Abat and the Point Cook team for hosting and for the care they provide to children and families each day.
