Child centre rises out of the ashes

By Kelly Yates
FAMILIES and staff from an Endeavour Hills child care centre gathered to celebrate its official reopening after the building was partly destroyed by a fire last year.
Around 30 past and present parents and friends celebrated Yooralla’s early childhood intervention service at Tarlina Children’s Centre on 10 April with a picnic in the refurbished centre.
The Tarlina Children’s Centre coordinator Anoo Bhopti said the event was emotional and overwhelming for both the parents and staff.
“The building looks beautiful but I do have a fear that it will happen again,” Ms Bhopti said.
“The damage bill from the fire was at least $150, 000.”
She said the families and children wore the colour purple as it was a sign of healing.
Certificates of appreciation were handed out to organisations that helped the centre including The Good Guys in Narre Warren who gave them discounts on washing machines and fridges.
The centre provides a service for children up to the age of four, with additional needs such as cerebral palsy and autism. All of the staff members, who are specially trained in paediatrics, work closely with the families to teach them how to look after their children.
“We have support groups for parents because it is really hard to learn the skills they need,” Ms Bhopti said.
The centre cares for more than 50 children and has an early childhood teacher, two physiotherapists, two occupational therapists and two speech pathologists.
The centre was reopened by Casey councillor Rob Wilson.
Cr Wilson thanked the parents for their patience and continued support while the building was out of action.
The centre is holding a dinner dance fundraising night on Saturday 10 May at the St Kilda Town Hall to raise money for new playground equipment. Tickets for Yooralla’s Dinner Dance cost $70 per head. For bookings, contact Anoo Bhopti on 9700 5997.