New centre responds to Casey’s kids boom

Works have started on a $2.8 million upgrade of Strathaird Family and Community Centre in Narre Warren South.
The redevelopment includes an extra room and outdoor play area for four-year-old kindergarten pupils and expanded child-and-maternal-health facilities.
A large, multi-purpose community room with audio-visual equipment, kitchen and courtyard will be created.
There will also be a revamped entry, public wi-fi, public art and improved car parking.
At the turning of sod works on 15 February, Casey mayor Geoff Ablett said the project would help cope with soaring demand for early childhood services.
“Currently, kindergarten services in Narre Warren are limited and Council-run facilities in the area are running at full capacity,” he said.
“This redevelopment will increase capacity for four-year-old kindergarten places from 90 to 135, providing more opportunities for families to access a local and convenient centre.”
Cr Ablett said the larger centre would offer more maternal-and-child-health and family services such as first-time parent groups, dad’s programs, sleep settling groups and playgroups.
The project is equally funded by Casey and the State Government.
It is expected to be finished in early 2019.