WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2026
PARENTS UPSET AS PRE-SCHOOL SHUT
● Nicole Werner MLA
■ Warrandyte MLA Nicole Werner has told State Parliament of the upset caused to parents with the closure of Donvale PreSchool. “My question is to the Minister for Education [Ben Carroll]. Donvale Preschool in my electorate has been closed for nearly a month this term, and families still have no confirmed reopening date,” ms Werner said. “These children already lost two weeks at the end of last year due to construction works, and my office has been contacted by families who say they have been experiencing considerable strain, having to make last-minute care arrangements for their children without clear guidance as to when normal operations will resume. “Families have also expressed how the prolonged disruption is having a significant impact on their children’s learning, development and wellbeing during what is a critical early education period. “The temporary site at Donvale Primary School hall is fully set up and ready to welcome students, but parents tell me they are simply waiting on paperwork and licences from the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority and the Department of Education. “Can the minister inform the house when final approvals will be granted and provide a confirmed reopening date so families in Donvale can finally have the certainty they deserve?” Ms Werner asked.
MORE LOCAL BUSES NEEDED, SAYS MP STUDENTS STRANDED ■ Evelyn MLA Bridget Vallence says that there are not enough buses for school students across Lilydale and Mooroolbark. “Students in my community have been left stranded, unable to get to school or home because this Labor Government’s transport department has not put on enough buses to meet demand. “Lilydale Heights College and Mount Lilydale Mercy College students are left stranded, refused entry on the bus at the Mooroolbark and Hull Roads bus stop because of overcrowding, and the bus cannot stop at any other bus stops along the way because it is full. “Students are also left competing to get on the overcrowded bus after school, forced to disembark and unable to get home. “My question is to the Minister for Public and Active Transport. When will additional urgently required bus services be provided for Lilydale school students, including on route 2574? “Ventura tried – they added additional services, only to be told by Labor’s transport department to withdraw them. “It is crazy, and it makes no sense. Free travel on public transport only works if the government also ensures there are sufficient services,” Ms Vallence said.
● Bridget Vallence MLA