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FAMILIES TO SAVE $2500
■ LOCAL families will save up to $2500 per child annually through free kindergartens for three- and four-year-olds, Northcote MLA Kat Theophanous has told State Parliament.
“I was immensely proud to welcome the Premier to the electorate of Northcote, where we announced a once-in-a-generation reform to Victoria’s kinder and childcare system,” Ms Theophanous told the Legislative Assembly. “At Alfred Nuttall Kindergarten in Fairfield we gathered to outline the details of this transformational policy, which will deliver free kinder to every Victorian three- and four-year-old from 2023,” Ms Theophanous said. “As well as this we are introducing a universal pre-prep year, which will see our four-yearolds having access to 30 hours of play-based learning before they start school; we are opening 50 new low-cost government-run childcare centres; and we are attracting and retaining highly skilled educators. “My daughters are three and four and attend a local kinder in Northcote. They absolutely adore their teachers and friends, and every day
Free kindergartens
● Kat Theophanous, Northcote MLA
their little minds are exploding with new concepts and skills. Our Labor Government sees the value of investing in early education, and these reforms are elevating it to a whole new level. “Of course this reform is not only about giving our kids the best start in life, this is truly groundbreaking economic reform as well. “Childcare fees take a huge chunk out of household budgets, in some cases up to 25 per cent. ‘ “Our reforms will save families up to $2500 per child per year, but critically they mean more parents are able to make the choice to go back to work after having a child. “Parents should not be worse off after childcare costs are weighed up against extra wages, and we know that it is women who feel this impact most acutely. “If we are serious about gender equality in our state, we need to make sure women have economic power and autonomy,” Ms Theophanous said.
NEW CEO FOR DAREBIN
■ DAREBIN City Council has appointed Peter Smith as its new Chief Executive Officer for a five-year term, beginning on Monday, October 10.
most progressive councils, setting the agenda for issues which will make a real and positive difference” Mr Smith said. “I look forward to working together with the community, the Council and an organisation full of talented people to realise the community’s vision for a better Darebin by delivering a challenging and exciting Council Plan and agenda.” Cr Messina thanked outgoing CEO Sue Wilkinson who joined the City of Yarra in June for what she drescribed as “her incredible work and leadership” in her four years as CEO. Cr Messina also thanked Interim CEO Rachel Ollivier who has supported the organisation through the time of change. Mr Smith will start at Darebin on Monday, October 10.
Mr Smith will depart his role as CEO of the City of Port Phillip to join Darebin and brings more than 25 years’ experience across all three levels of government in Australia, including 15 years in CEO roles. Prior to the City of Port Phillip Mr Smith was the CEO of Adelaide City Council. Darebin Mayor, Cr Lina Messina, said Mr Smith was appointed by a unanimous decision of Council. We warmly welcome Mr Smith to Darebin who brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of delivering for local communities throughout his career,” Cr Messina said. “Mr Smith shares Darebin’s deep commitment to the issues that we know matter to our community – climate change, social justice issues and achieving reconciliation and self-determination for First Nations peoples. “We are excited to work with Mr Smith towards the ongoing delivery of the Council Plan 2021-2025 whose wealth of experience delivering similar strategies will be an asset for the Darebin community. Mr Smith said he was excited to join the Darebin team. “Darebin is known as being one of Victoria’s • Administration of Deceased Estates • Deceased Estates Litigation • Wills • Power of Attorney • Sale and Purchase of Business • Commercial and Retail Lerases • Conveyancing • Criminal Law
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● Peter Smith, new Darebin CEO
Milestone at Mernda
■ The $2.7 million Mernda Social Support Centre is inching closer to completion with the care facility reaching a construction milestone. Last month saw the installation of the building’s steel frame and roof, marking a significant stage in the construction of the much-anticipated support centre.
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