The NSW Department of Education has partnered with Lockhart Shire Council to deliver a long day care centre following the closure of the town of Lockhart’s only centre last year.
Recently celebrating its official opening, the newly built Lockhart Early Learning Centre provides children in the small rural town with access to high quality and affordable early childhood education and care, and an easier transition to school.
Located on the grounds of Lockhart Central School, the service is run by Council and has the capacity to welcome up to 25 children aged six weeks to six years old, every weekday from 8.30am to 5pm.
Minister for Education and Early Learning, Prue Car congratulated the community on the official opening of the new care centre.
“It’s wonderful to see that young families in Lockhart now have increased access to long daycare thanks to this partnership between state and local governments,” said Minister Car.
“We understand waitlists and service closures can place significant pressure on families, particularly working parents.”
“That’s why we remain committed to expanding services and building local capacity where it’s needed.”
An existing building at Lockhart Central School was renovated and transformed in under 10 months to accommodate the new early learning centre.
The upgrade includes new fencing, bathroom and nappy change facilities, new flooring and the conversion of an office space into a cot room.
While Lockhart Early Learning Centre will operate separately to the local school as a Council-run facility, it will provide a smoother transition to school for families.
Lockhart Shire Mayor and Member for Murray, Joe McGirr, opened the Lockhart Early Learning Centre at a special ceremony at the service earlier this month.
“This is an exciting time for the Lockhart community, which has been eagerly awaiting the completion of the new facility,” Mayor McGirr said
“We are thrilled that this vital project is now finalised, enabling Lockhart Early Learning Centre to provide quality early childhood education and care to many families.
“It’s been great to work alongside the government and Lockhart Central School to come up with this solution.
“Having a daycare conveniently located on school grounds is a big win for parents and will strengthen community connection.”
Enrolments are now open for children to attend the centre.
