The announcement was made in Katanning by Regional Development Minister, Don Punch and Early Childhood Education Minister, Sabine Winton, to support the Shire’s long-standing commitment to deliver this vital project.

“Regional communities need access to key services like those in the metropolitan area, especially in important periods of childhood development,” said Minister Punch.

“Allowing parents access to services that help care for their children, and in some cases, head back to work, is of such value to the community and the economy.

 

“Building strong regional communities with good liveability is what this Government strives to achieve.”
The new funding increases the State Government’s total investment in the project to $7.3 million.

The community-driven project will consist of three integrated buildings: an early learning centre, a family centre, and child health offices.

The Katanning Early Childhood Hub is expected to provide the community with up to 67 long-daycare places.

The Hub is one of 24 priority projects under the Early Years Partnership (EYP), which is a collaboration between the State Government, Minderoo Foundation, The Kids Research Institute Australia and the local community.

The EYP aims to improve the development, health and learning of children aged 0-4 years old across its partner communities of Central Great Southern, Armadale, Derby and Bidyadanga.

Minderoo Foundation has invested an additional $2.2 million towards the project through the EYP, with Lotterywest and the Shire of Katanning also making financial contributions.

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we meet, work and live, and recognise their continuing connection and care to land, water and community. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging.