Shine Bright has been announced as the provisional provider of Rutherglen Kindergarten in Indigo Shire and is delighted to welcome the service to its Early Years Manager (EYM) network from 2027, deepening Shine Bright’s connection with communities across northeast Victoria and bringing the number of services it operates at the beginning of 2027 to forty-seven.
Moving the kindergarten’s operation from Glenview Health to an experienced Early Years Manager will support a strong, sustainable future for early childhood education and care in Rutherglen.
Shine Bright, CEO Richie Evans, said the provisional transition of operation of the Rutherglen Kindergarten reflects the organisation’s commitment to ensuring Victorian children and families can access high-quality education and care in welcoming, community-focused settings, delivered by skilled and well-supported educators.
“A positive kindergarten experience can shape a child’s learning, wellbeing and opportunities for years to come. That is why quality sits at the heart of everything we do. Every Shine Bright service is currently rated Meeting or Exceeding against the National Quality Standard, and each one is proud to play an active role in its local community.
“Rutherglen Kindergarten comes to the network with strong foundations. We recognise the great work of Glenview Health staff members, alongside the kindergarten’s teachers, educators and families, in creating a service where children can learn and thrive. Joining Shine Bright will build on that local success with access to a wider network of educational and professional expertise,” he said.
Shine Bright is a leading not-for-profit provider of early years education, supporting highly skilled teachers and educators through mentoring, coaching and collaboration across 44 services. Its network of 500 early learning professionals works throughout central and northern Victoria, combining strong community connections with well-resourced services to give children the foundations for lifelong learning.
CEO of Glenview Health, Shane Kirk, said the decision was guided by a shared ambition for Rutherglen Kindergarten to remain a trusted local service and continue delivering the best possible outcomes for children and families.
“Early childhood education is entering a period of significant change. Legislative obligations continue to grow, while the Victorian Government’s Best Start, Best Life reforms will progressively increase the four-year-old kindergarten program to 30 hours each week. Partnering with an established Early Years Manager will position the kindergarten to respond confidently to these changes.
“Glenview Health staff members have contributed greatly to the kindergarten and its community. Their care, commitment and professionalism have helped establish a strong service, and this transition creates an opportunity to carry that work forward through dedicated early years management.
“We are pleased that Shine Bright will take responsibility for operating this valued kindergarten, with a commitment to fully funded programs and accessible hours for local families.
“Shine Bright’s values, its support for staff and its respect for local relationships give us confidence in the future of the service. Teachers and educators will also benefit from broader professional learning, specialist guidance and organisational support.
“Rutherglen’s community connection will remain central to the kindergarten. Families and local supporters will continue to have an important voice as the service begins this next chapter within the Shine Bright network,” Shane said.
2027 enrolments for Rutherglen Kindergarten will open soon via the Loddon Mallee Preschool Association. Current families will be notified directly when enrolments open.