Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh officially opened Lake Entrance’s newest kindergarten – the Gippsland Lakes Early Learning Centre – on Monday.
The new kinder is part of the Victorian Government’s Best Start Best Life reforms, increasing free kindergarten hours to 20 hours next year and 30 hours by 2031.
Students welcomed Mr McIntosh on site by singing an Acknowledgement of Country, before cutting a ribbon to officially open the new facility.
Mr McIntosh told the gathering of community leaders, staff and students about the value of increasing kindergarten hours for young people and for the community.
“Having an entire generation getting the absolute best start they can get to life is critical to our success,” he said.
Mr McIntosh said having high standards of early education is important, which he said is why the government is increasing the hours of funded kindergarten for three and four-year-olds.
“Enabling kids who might not otherwise get the opportunity, whether from a space or a cost perspective, I don’t think we can underestimate how important that it,” he said.
The new facility includes two classrooms, with the capacity to host 66 students on site each day.
Gippsland Lakes Complete Health (GLCH) chief executive officer Anne-Maree Kaser said GLCH was the only community health organisation in regional Victoria operating kindergartens.
“Our vision is to grow as a true family hub — offering a ‘one-stop shop’ for families,” she said.
“A place where early learning is seamlessly connected with maternal and child health, occupational therapy, speech and physio support, counselling, GPs and nursing services.
“When local services work together — when they are integrated — we can offer care that is holistic, connected and tailored to each child and family.”
Expressions of Interest for 2026 kindergarten places are now open. For details about session times, parents and carers can contact GLCH.
PICTURED: Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh and Gippsland Lakes Complete Health chief executive officer Anne-Maree Kaser officially open the Gippsland Lakes Early Learning Centre with four-year-old kindergarten students.
