House debates

Tuesday, 16 March 2021

Statements by Members

Mallee Electorate: Wycheproof Early Learning Centre

1:53 pm

Photo of Anne WebsterAnne Webster (Mallee, National Party) Share this | | Hansard source

Wycheproof is a small but enterprising community in my electorate of Mallee. People in Wycheproof do things well, and the construction of a brand-new early learning centre is no exception to that rule. Last week, I had the pleasure of opening the new facility with Mark Gepp, who is the member for Northern Victoria in the Victorian Legislative Council, as well as local parents, educators and the Buloke Shire councillors. The new centre is a fantastic outcome for the Wycheproof community. We know that early learning for our children has long-term benefits for educational outcomes and quality of life and that access to child care and early learning opportunities is crucial to participation in the workforce, particularly for women. I met Cooper, Scotty and Henry, three young Wycheproof locals who were happily testing out the new sandpit. I also met Jenna Allan, the mother of Cooper and Scotty, and her nine-month-old baby girl, Blair—Wycheproof citizens of tomorrow. Jenna said that the new centre would be great for her children, her family and the wider community. The project was made possible with $500,000 from the Morrison-McCormack government's Drought Communities Program. The DCP displays the government's commitment to supporting drought affected areas across the country. Collaboration, passion and community engagement turned this dream into a reality. Congratulations to Buloke Shire Council Mayor, Graeme Massey, CEO, Anthony Judd, to the YMCA staff who run the new facility and to the parents and families in Wycheproof. (Time expired)