Minister for Families and Children, Jenny Mikakos, today joined local MP Ros Spence and Hume City Council Mayor Adem Atmaca to open the Newbury Child and Community Centre in Craigieburn.

The new $6.91 million centre will provide kindergarten, long day care, playgroups, maternal and child health and a toy library service under one roof with the capacity to accommodate 99 children at any one time.

Infrastructure projects such as these ensure local children’s services have the space and flexibility they need to deliver 15 hours of kindergarten per week, together with a range of other vital early years programs.

The Andrews Labor Government continues to call on Tony Abbott to provide ongoing funding for 15 hours of kindergarten, and end the uncertainty affecting kindergartens and families with young children.

The Productivity Commission recently found that 15 hours of kindergarten is essential to boosting preschool participation, supporting children’s development and improving school readiness. It recommended the Federal Government should continue to provide funding for four-year-old kindergarten.