Two Altona kindergartens have won a reprieve after Hobsons Bay council delayed a decision on their closure.
Close to 100 protesters, some holding signs saying “Save Altona’s kinders”, attended last week’s council meeting at which the issue was being heard for the third time.
A council officer’s report recommended that Altona Kindergarten and Somers Parade Kindergarten be closed due to a new hub being built at Altona P-9 College.
Cr Tony Briffa tabled a petition with 848 signatures and a joint letter signed by committee of management heads of both kindergartens, pleading for them to remain open.
The petition stated in part: “These kinders have been part of the community for more than 50 years. They exceed national quality standards, are financially viable and are loved by the community and our children.”
Cr Michael Grech told last week’s meeting it was important to keep community kindergartens.
“I went to Russell Court kinder in Altona Meadows and, funnily enough, so did my wife,” he said.
“This year we were lucky enough to have our three-year-old son follow in our footsteps. At the moment, we can only get him in one day a week due to demand. I feel by destroying our centres, we are destroying our communities.”
The state government has contributed $1.6 million for a new early-years hub to be built on the Altona P-9 College site, with the council to contribute about $5.6 million. The hub would have 198 places.
Last week’s meeting heard that it would cost $3.8 million to upgrade the existing kindergartens.
The council voted to consider a further report on early years services in Altona and Seaholme and the matters raised in the petition and joint letter at its September 12 meeting.
