Preschool children were invited to help staff, committee members and dignitaries cut the ribbon at the official opening.
Young children in the Jerilderie district will soon have the chance to thrive in the ultimate learning environment, with the official completion of the Jerildeire Early Learning Centre.
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A ceremony was hosted at the $1.63 million facility on Wednesday.
The building, funded by the NSW Government, was officially opened by Member for Albury Justin Clancy, Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae and Jerilderie Early Learning Centre president Stephanie Girdwood.
Member for Albury Justin Clancy said he was absolutely thrilled to see the project come to fruition.
Mr Clancy said it’s testament to the hard work of the Early Learning Centre Committee, Murrumbidgee Council and other community members who have supported it.
“They should be justifiably proud of the inspiring and beautiful environment they have created for young people for generations to come,” he said.
Located in Elliott Park, the facility will accommodate both a preschool program and long day care.
It will offer 48 places for babies up to five years old and will be instrumental in filling the void in childcare services in the area.
Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae said council had wholeheartedly supported this important community project.
“We are extremely proud of the new facility, which will be an incredible learning and play space for our local children,” she said.
Murrumbidgee Council Deputy Mayor Robert Black, ECQ lead consultant Julia Ham, architect Steven Murray, ELC Committee members Rebekah Salter, Heidi Bryce, Carina Rorato and president Stephanie Girdwood, Member for Albury Justin Clancy, Murrumbidgee Council Mayor Ruth McRae and council general manager John Scarce.
Cr McRae acknowledged the dedication, tenacity and foresight of the members of the Early Learning Centre Committee who had driven the project from its inception, spending hundreds of hours bringing the project to life.
She also highlighted the important contribution of council staff, architect Steven Murray and contract firm Dezign for their role in seeing this challenging project through to completion.
“It is an absolute credit to all involved and I am delighted that Jerilderie will have this incredible community resource to educate and nurture our young,” she said.
Ms Girdwood said the opening of this purpose-built centre is an achievement the community should be so proud of.
She said the project will have a profound impact on the Jerilderie community, with 23 new places per day for early education and care and up to 10 new jobs.
“It will allow working families, especially women, the ability to work and study,” she said.
“This project is an investment in our children, local families, businesses and women, and I am honoured to have been part of it.
“The next step is receiving service approval from the New South Wales Department of Education.
“We hope this occurs very soon, so we can welcome our preschool aged children into their new centre early next term.
“Once we have our service approval, we can apply to be a child care subsidy provider through the Federal Government, so we can commence the long day care and OSHC service.”
