PICTURED: Parliamentary Secretary for Children, Nathan Butler MP, with Anstruther Street Kindergarten children at the official opening event on 1 July.
The new Anstruther Street Kindergarten built at Echuca Primary School was officially opened today by the Parliamentary Secretary for Children, Nathan Butler MP, who was enthusiastically greeted by Shine Bright children and families who have been enjoying the new facility since the start of Term 1 this year.
The new kindergarten has 2 rooms as well as outdoor learning areas. It can provide kindergarten for up to 66 children at one time. As a kindergarten on a School Site (KOSS), it is hoped that the service will help some children to make a smoother transition into primary school and assist with logistics for many families.
Nominated Supervisor and Teacher at the kinder, Chloe Ford, said the new facility funded by the Victorian School Building Authority (VSBA), was a joy to teach in.
“Children and teachers alike love the Anstruther Street kinder. It has been thoughtfully designed with large under cover areas, fantastic acoustics and appropriate spaces for teachers to meet and plan, ensuring our children have the best possible learning experience.
“As a purpose-built facility, the functionality of the building is safe, logical and it optimises space in a way that supports a positive learning environment with plenty of areas for young people to explore,” she said.
Shine Bright EYM (Early Years Manager) has been appointed to run the kindergarten and Campaspe Shire Council is managing enrolments through their Central Registration and Enrolment Scheme. The service currently runs sessions on Tuesday and Thursday for both 3- and 4-year-old children and is set to expand across all days in 2026. Shine Bright
CEO, Richie Evans, said that the new Anstruther Street kindergarten was a much-needed early childhood service in Echuca.
“There is genuine need for more kindergarten services in Echuca and this new service will help meet that need for local families.
“The Parent Advisory Group and Shine Bright educators have done a fantastic job getting this centre up and running. Despite being a new facility, it already feels like a second home to the children and their families, and we are proud to now be operating four kindergartens in Echuca and 13 services across the Campaspe Shire,” he said.
Click through the Anstruther Street image gallery below.
