The Allan Labor Government is giving more children the best start in life, with a brand-new kindergarten now officially open in Lakes Entrance, providing more local families access to a high-quality education program close to home. 

Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh officially opened the Gippsland Lakes Early Learning Centre this week, on site at the Lakes Entrance Primary School, with the help of some of Victoria’s youngest learners. 

The new kindergarten has two rooms, delivering places for 66 local children, and is based at the primary school – and will save many parents an extra stop on the morning school drop off. 

Positioning kindergartens on or close to schools supports children to get the most out of their early learning, makes drop-off more convenient for busy parents and carers, and helps with a smoother transition to primary school. 

The Labor Government is investing billions to build and expand hundreds of kindergartens across the state, supporting the delivery of 15 hours of three-year-old kindergarten each week by 2029 and up to 30 hours of Pre-Prep each week by 2036. 

Through our Best Start, Best Life reforms, the Labor Government is transforming early childhood education to help children thrive, save families money, and support parents and carers to return to work or study if they choose. 

Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn 

“Every child deserves to attend a quality kinder close to home. We’re investing billions to build and expand kinders right across the state, delivering more kindergarten hours for children and making life easier for families.” 

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh 

“This new kinder saves parents time, eliminating an extra drop off on the school run for many families. 

“Our government knows how important kinder is for children and families – and every Victorian child can access two years of free kinder thanks to our investments.” 

Quotes attributable to Gippsland Lakes Complete Health CEO Anne-Maree Kaser 

“We know the first five years of someone’s life is the most important developmentally – those early years shape the trajectory of health, learning and wellbeing.” 

“That’s why we are proud to be part of the Victorian Government’s Best Start, Best Life reforms. We want to ensure that every child in East Gippsland has the opportunity for the best possible start.”