Monash Council delivers new early years hub for Oakleigh families
Published on 27 March 2024
Monash Council is proud to launch the world-class Oakleigh South Child and Family Hub at 1228 North Road.
Minister for Children The Hon. Lizzie Blandthorn MP joined Monash Mayor Cr Nicky Luo to officially open the hub on 27 March 2024, followed by a tour of the new building with Member for Oakleigh Steve Dimopoulos MP, Monash Councillors and representatives from the services and community groups located at the hub.
The project was supported with $3.7 million in funding by the Victorian Government, with Council contributing $2.3 million.
Built to blend in with the natural parkland surroundings of Scammell Reserve, the facility’s two kindergarten rooms playfully engage children’s connection to nature. The rooms feature bright natural lighting and easy access to outdoor learning environments. Outside, a distinctive curved timber-lined roof reaches around to embrace a large, sheltering tree, providing a large space for children to play in.
The building also boasts three maternal and child health rooms and a multipurpose room that the Oakleigh South Girl Guides already call home and will be available for playgroups, first time parent groups and other community groups.
Monash Mayor Cr Nicky Luo said, “This stunning facility will be a vital new centre for the community. It allows Oakleigh families to build ongoing relationships with the maternal and child health services, playgroup facilitators and kindergarten educators under the one roof.”
“We’re proud to keep delivering innovative and modern facilities, including a fourth hub at Dorrington Drive in Mount Waverley, as well as works to expand kindergarten capacity at Ashwood Memorial Kindergarten and Ward Avenue Kindergarten.”
Oakleigh South Child and Family Hub is currently the base for Ward Avenue Kindergarten’s programs while its kindergarten facility undergoes construction throughout 2024.
A new kindergarten is planned to run at the building in 2025, with Monash Council working to appoint a service provider.
The architects for the project were AOA Christopher Peck and construction undertaken by Simbuilt.
Media Contact: Sean Ross 0408 828 876 or sean.ross@monash.vic.gov.au