Bigger, better, brighter: Dromana Preschool expansion is complete
Published on 29 April 2025
Cheryl Casey - Acting Director Community Strengthening, Sarah Cottrill - Dromana Preschool President, Tom McIntosh MP, Cr Patrick Binyon and Ramma Li - Victorian School Building Authority are joined by happy students.
Member for Eastern Victoria, Tom McIntosh MP (representing the Minister for Children) was joined by Brokil Ward Councillor Patrick Binyon at the official opening of Dromana Preschool expansion on Thursday 24 April.
Last year, Mornington Peninsula Shire was successful in obtaining a Victorian Government Building Blocks Capacity Grant to expand Dromana Preschool. The modular expansion has doubled the kindergarten’s capacity, allowing the preschool to operate two 3-year-old programs at the full 15 hours a week. In 2024 they were only able to cater for one 3-year-old group for seven hours per week.
The new building features the children's education room and bathroom, staff office area, a meeting room and kitchen. Outside, a large veranda overlooks the garden with lush grass shaded by an established tree and paths connecting to the other building.
Early childhood education, including funded kindergarten, is the responsibility of the State Government through the Department of Education. 25 sessional kindergartens are based in Shire-owned and maintained buildings. These services are governed by volunteer parent committees of management or an Early Years Manager.
The State Government is working with councils to deliver new and expanded kindergartens to meet local demand for quality early childhood education. We’re looking forward to sharing more positive news about State Government funding for Peninsula kindergartens in the years to come.
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Anthony Marsh:
“The modular building was completed earlier this year. The works were delivered by the State Government and the building has been handed over to the Shire. We will maintain it to a high standard for our junior residents to thrive for years to come!”
Quotes attributable to Brokil Ward Councillor Patrick Binyon:
“This community-run sessional kindergarten is much loved by local families. The new modular building will ensure that even more children have access to a high-quality free kindergarten program before they start school.”