Early Learning Victoria Cohuna (interim name) indicative site plan.
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Cohuna’s childcare landscape is set for a massive transformation, with the town’s existing kindergarten closing its doors to make way for a state-of-the-art, 102-place early learning hub in 2027.
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Gannawarra Shire Mayor Garner Smith made the announcement on Wednesday, July 22, that the new Early Learning Centre Cohuna (interim name), in development since 2024, is set to open at Cohuna Consolidated School ahead of term one, 2027.
“Council is excited to see the years of work undertaken by families seeking workable local childcare options come to fruition with the development of the Early Learning Victoria Cohuna,” Cr Smith said.
“The introduction of a service the scale of Early Learning Victoria Cohuna means that there will be substantially increased kindergarten capacity within Cohuna, which will ease the pressure on our current childcare programs and provide local options for families.”
He also announced council had resolved to cease operating the Cohuna kindergarten, with its last operating day being Friday, December 18, this year.
According to a council media release, the decision followed direct consultation with families currently using, or planning to access, early childhood education services in the area.
It was determined that continuing to operate the Cohuna kindergarten alongside the new facility would not be sustainable or viable in the long term.
Pictured is an artist’s impression of the Cohuna Early Learning and Childhood Education Centre
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Cr Smith thanked the educators, families, community members and advocates who have worked to secure early childhood education in the region.
“We understand this news may raise questions for families, and we want to reassure the community that council are committed to supporting educators, children and families throughout this transition,” Cr Smith said.
“Throughout the coming months, our priority will be to support a smooth transition for children and families who expressed interest in attending the Cohuna kindergarten in 2027, whilst supporting our educators, and ensuring continued access to high-quality early childhood education and care services within the Cohuna community.’’
The newly built facility will feature five purpose-built learning rooms tailored to different age groups, offering long day care and integrated kindergarten for up to 102 children per day.
Two kindergarten rooms will cater for children aged three to six, with each room accommodating up to 33 children.
A further three rooms, designed for children under three, will each hold up to 12 children.
The centre will also include dedicated consulting rooms for maternal and child health and allied health professionals, along with a multipurpose room available for community meetings and playgroups.
