Shine Bright has successfully tendered to operate a new kindergarten currently under construction in Nichols Point in Mildura, and is confirmed as the provisional operator, taking the number of Shine Bright services in the region to six.
The kindergarten will be a four-room service, licensed to accommodate 132 children and forms part of a new early year’s hub that will also incorporate a Maternal Child Health consultation space. The hub is due to commence operation in 2027.
CEO of Shine Bright, Richie Evans, said that there has been a significant increase in demand for kinder places in Mildura and the expansion of Shine Bright services in the region was a win-win for Shine Bright and Mildura.
“This is an exciting development for Shine Bright to be a part of. With existing services in the area, we have an opportunity to leverage the expertise we already have in the Mallee and to create efficiencies across our services.”
“We already have an experienced early years Advisor based in Midura supporting our teachers and educators and we are now advertising for another Advisor to further strengthen the high-quality education and care that Mildura families should expect from a Shine Bright kindergarten.
“Nichols Point is a growing community and with the introduction of free kinder through Victorian Government reforms, there has been increased demand on kindergarten places in the Mildura LGA to accommodate this growth.
“We are so pleased to be part of a project that reflects the needs and interests of local children, families and the community,” Richie said.
Pictured: aerial view of the slab where the Nichols Point kindergarten will be built. The slab took roughly 300 M3 of concrete. this equates to roughly 40 trucks!
Architectual 3D renderings of the new Nichols Point hub.
The $8.95 million project is funded by the Victorian Government’s Building Block Capacity Grant program, which was successfully secured by the Mildura Rural City Council. The slab foundation for the new hub was recently completed by King Construction Group who are local contractors delivering the building works. The centre will be established on the old Nichols Point Primary School site (corner of Koorlong Avenue and Fifth Street within the existing old primary school building), which will be updated.
“Mildura is a vibrant regional centre and a fantastic place for families to raise young children.
“We have a strong relationship with the Mildura Rural City Council who are consulting with us on design of the kindergarten to ensure it meets the highest standards and provides contemporary learning spaces for children and Shine Bright staff.
“There will also be plenty of space and amenity for parents and carers when they drop off and pick up their children.
“Being located adjacent to the Nichols Point Primary School is convenient for families and importantly, fantastic for young learners who will be able to familiarise with the next step in their educational journey.
“We have a proud history of becoming an integral part of local communities wherever our services are located in Central and Northen Victoria and we look forward to welcoming Mildura families to their newest kindergarten in 2027,” Richie said.
