Wycheproof community elated as much-needed new early learning centre opens

The $1.22-million Wycheproof Early Learning Centre was completed on Thursday last week, mere months after construction started.

The community advocated for funding for the facility for more than a year.

The new centre, which is co-located with the Wycheproof P-12 College, replaces an ageing structure in one of the town's busiest streets.

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Buloke shire mayor Daryl Warren said the new early learning centre had long been held as a top priority for the Wycheproof community.

"This one-stop-shop addresses the previous lack of childcare facilities, which prevented many community members from returning to work," Cr Warren said.

"It is a wonderful result for all families and an important investment in the future of the town and the area."

Wycheproof Early Learning Centre parent advisory group president Tessa Coles said the community was excited to see the new centre in use.

"Drop off will have a bit of a different buzz about it on Monday," Mrs Coles said.

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The Victorian Government came through with $700,000 for the new facility in March 2020. An earlier bid for funding was unsuccessful, prompting a call for answers from the community.

Buloke Shire Council was successful in securing $500,000 for the project from the federal government's drought communities program.

The parents group contributed $20,000 towards the new facility.

"It's a fantastic asset for the community," Mrs Coles said.

She believed the modernised grounds would make the workload a lot easier for staff to manage.

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A childcare worker shortage has previously been a concern in Wycheproof, with services cancelled multiple times in 2019.

"At the moment we're sorted and we're very happy with our staff on board," Mrs Coles said.

But she said a shortage of workers in the sector was an ongoing concern.

The new Wycheproof Early Learning Centre has capacity for 12 day care and 22 kindergarten positions.

Day care at the new centre starts on Monday, followed by kindergarten on Tuesday.

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