By Matthew Sims
Footscray children now have a new state-of-the-art childcare centre complete with interactive play spaces and outdoor gardens.
Maribyrnong mayor Anthony Tran, Footscray MP Katie Hall and Early Childhood Minister Ingrid Stitt officially opened the Billy Button Children’s Centre on Thursday, June 16.
A joint project between Maribyrnong council and the state government, the centre welcomed families at the start of term two in April.
The centre would provide three and four-year-old kindergarten services, long day care services and maternal and child health services.
As part of the $110 million Footscray Learning Precinct, Maribyrnong council has partnered with Victoria University to incorporate the new centre with Footscray City Primary School and Footscray High School.
Cr Tran said the new centre has replaced the former single-room kindergarten which had operated on the site for more than 60 years.
“It’s wonderful to see this brand new centre open and welcoming children from across Maribyrnong,” he said.
“Council plays a vital role in delivering services for children in their early years, including kindergarten and long day care services just like this, and I hope the community makes the most of this facility now and for years to come.”
Building works incorporated the native yellow flowers which grew near the former kindergarten into the building design, with large yellow flower artworks found throughout the playground and walkways.
