Premier visits pre-school ahead of revamp

Published on 25 August 2023

Research Preschool is set to benefit from a $400,000 funding boost from the State Government, as promised during the Victorian state election. A portion of the funds will be used to develop plans to renew and expand the service and the remaining funding will go toward renewal works.

On Wednesday, Premier Dan Andrews visited the pre-school with Member for Eltham Vicki Ward, to tour the premises and meet with staff. Children dressed up for Book Week spoke to the Premier and Ms Ward about their favourite books.

Mayor Ben Ramcharan said the funding is a welcome boost for the popular pre-school.

“Early education is absolutely vital so the opportunity for a service like Research Pre-School to expand its offering is wonderful news,” Cr Ramcharan said.

Deputy Mayor Geoff Paine attended the pre-school during the Premier’s visit, along with Councillors Natalie Duffy and Frances Eyre. Cr Paine said the promised funding will pave the way for considerable improvements to the current facility.

“Research Preschool offers a great service, but having a larger, revamped facility will benefit existing staff and families, as well as families in the area who would like to attend in the future,” he said.

Cr Frances Eyre, ward councillor for Swipers Gully, said she was excited to see the pre-school become bigger and better.

“The wonderful staff and management team at Research Preschool are so deserving of having an improved facility to work from. This will be a great step forward for families in Swipers Gully ward,” she said.

Council will look to apply for further grants to undertake extension works at a later date.