July 13th, 2025First sod at Clunes ELC

Building work at a new Early Learning Centre in Clunes is now underway – with Ripon MP Martha Haylett recently turning the first sod.
The centre, next to Clunes Primary School, will have outdoor play areas, a maternal and child health consulting room, and a carpark. It will also have a community room for meetings and playgroup.
The centre will provide long day care and three- and four-year-old kindergarten programs with space for up to 102 children each day.
Construction is on time with completion expected later this year ready for opening early next year.
Positioning kindergartens on or close to schools supports children to get the most out of their early learning, makes drop-off more convenient for busy parents and carers, and helps with a smoother transition to primary school.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said the government was delivering “unprecedented investment in early childhood services” so our children can get the most out of great local kindergartens.
“We’re proud to be funding early childhood infrastructure because we know how important the early years are in setting our kids up for the rest of their lives.”

From left, Department of Education’s Anne Gawith, Centre director Ben Sweeney, Ripon MP Martha Haylett and Clunes Primary School principal Sonia Jardine