18 Apr 2018 Yea Chronicle, Yea VIC (General News) WORKS officially begun at the Yea Childrens Centre on Monday morning as the sod was turned by Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, with help from some of the centres children. The sod turning kicks off a $375,000 refurbishment of the centre which has been a part of the community for 63 years. The upgrades will increase the size of a classroom and extend the building to include and new kitchen, laundry and staff room as well as give more sleeping space to the centres long day care program. Yea Childrens Centre teacher Fiona Purvis said its important to keep the feel of the centre that has been such a significant part of the community for more than half a century. Some days there are 20 children sleeping in one small room at the centre, making it hard for staff to manoeuvre around. The new kitchen will extend the sleeping room, giving children and staff more space. They will also get a new staff room, something which they dont currently have. The sod turning was also attended by Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor Charlie Bisset, CEO Craig Lloyd, Councillors Sandice McAulay and Rebecca Bowles, Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish and representatives of Uniting learning (CHECK). Ms Bisset congratulated the centre onbeing able to continue to grow and said council is grateful for the opportunity to provide such a valuable service to the community. Ms Symes said there is a great collaboration and passion for helping children at the centre and as a mother, the services the Yea Childrens Centre offers in combining kindergarten and long day care can transform the lives of parents, especially mothers. As a parent of two young children, I understand the importance of access to quality childcare in country areas and Im proud that the government has delivered on these projects for families in Yea, she said. Families in Yea and surrounding areas will be able to reap the benefits of this investment and give their kids great facilities to receive care and education. This is fantastic news for our local communities in Yea. The government is investing in the early years so children are ready for kinder, ready for school and ready for life. The Victorian Government has delivered a record $76.4 million to build, expand and improve kindergartens across the state and will ensure that Eildon electorate kindergartens and childcare centres receive the Government support they need as they grow. Caption Text: Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes turns the sod for the Yea Children Centres $375,000 redevelopment with Murrindindi Shire Mayor Charlie Bisset, Councillor Rebecca Bowles, CEO Craig Lloyd, Councillor Sandice McAulay, Member for Eildon Cindy McLeish and Vicki Anne Herman and Tracey Gibson from Uniting and help from some of the centres children. -JRLicensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.