Minister Barr: Treehouse in the Park Early Learning Centre gets a new life
- Written by ACT Government
Released 30/07/2015
The ACT Government’s Treehouse in the Park Early Learning Centre officially opened today following its extension and refurbishment. The newly refurbished and expanded centre gives more families and children the opportunity to benefit from the centre’s high quality educational program from infancy to preschool age.
In 2012, the ACT Government allocated $9 million to be invested over two years to upgrade ACT Government-owned childcare centres. This project involved capital upgrades and extensions to existing centres to ensure they met the requirements for the National Quality Standard.
Having spent many years as Education Minister in the ACT, I understand how important quality early learning environments are in the education of children under the age of five. The ACT has a world-class education system from birth right through to tertiary education institutions. I want it to be even better and my work alongside Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on national education reform proposals, will make our schools better and help the rest of Australia learn from our experience.
Priority renovations occurred at nine centres and improvements included alterations to the playroom spaces, support spaces and minor changes to the playground facilities. In addition to the nine identified centres, the ACT Government allocated a further $2.9 million in 2012-2013 for the upgrading of an additional three centres and an extra $1.391 million was allocated in 2014-15 to refurbish another two centres.
By the end of 2015, an additional 259 places will have been created in ACT Government-owned childcare centres across Canberra. In addition to the upgrades and extensions to existing centres, the ACT Government also constructed the 124 place Holder Early Childhood Centre at a cost of $7.5 million.
The Treehouse in the Park Early Learning Centre and the Northside Community Services are thanked for their time, efforts and achievements in overseeing the ongoing operation of the service, particularly during the time of the refurbishment. Their contribution to the Canberra community has been considerable and is greatly appreciated.
The ACT Government is committed to providing the best possible facilities for the children who attend our early childhood learning facilities and will continue to invest in the future of our young people.
- Statement ends -
Section: Andrew Barr, MLA | Media Releases
