New Early Learning Centre a Major Win for Southern Grampians Families
Published on 20 August 2026
Southern Grampians Shire Council has welcomed today's announcement for a new Victorian Government-owned and operated Early Learning Centre to be built in Hamilton, providing much-needed additional early learning opportunities for local families.
The new 102-place centre will be located at the former vacant Baimbridge College site and will also include spaces for playgroups and maternal and child health services, creating an important space for children and families.
Southern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Dennis Heslin said the announcement marked a significant milestone the broader Southern Grampians region, following years of advocacy by Council and the community.
"Council has consistently raised this issue with government because we know how significant the early learning and childcare shortage is locally,” said Cr Heslin.
"We have heard directly from families who have struggled to find care and from employers who have struggled to attract and retain workers because prospective staff have been unable to secure childcare.
"This announcement will mean more opportunity and more choice. For families who have been waiting for a place or trying to piece together care across different services, additional capacity can make a huge difference to their ability to work, study and participate fully in community life.
"This is a great example of Council and the State Government working together to deliver something that will make a real difference to our residents.”
The announcement follows the Victorian Government's 2023 commitment to deliver a government-owned and operated Early Learning Centre in Hamilton. Since then, Council officers have worked closely with the Department to help identify a suitable location for the facility.
"Early learning and childcare is not a luxury. It is essential community infrastructure that enables people to live, work and raise their families in regional communities,” said Cr Heslin.
"We consistently hear from professionals who want to relocate to Hamilton to work in our hospital, schools, businesses and other essential services, but who face significant barriers because of limited childcare options.”
Council has advocated strongly to all levels of government and worked alongside regional partners to address broader workforce challenges within the early years sector, recognising that additional places must be matched by a sustainable workforce.
Mayor Heslin said while today's announcement was a major step forward, planning for the future remained important.
"Today's announcement is a positive step in the right direction, but we know demand for childcare in a growing regional community will continue," said Cr Heslin.
"We need to keep looking at the broader early years system, including workforce, kindergarten and childcare capacity, so that our services can keep pace with the growth and future needs of our community.
"I also want to acknowledge the many local families and community members who have continued to raise this issue and advocate for better outcomes. Council doesn't advocate in isolation. We advocate on the issues our community tells us matter, and childcare has consistently been one of those issues,” concluded Cr Heslin.
While there is still work to be done before welcoming the first children through the doors in 2029, today's announcement provides greater hope and certainty for local families and represents an important investment in our children, our families and the future of our region.
The Early Learning Centre will be operated by the Victorian Government Authority, Early Learning Victoria.
Council thanks Member for Western Victoria, Jacinta Ermacora MP, for representing Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn in making today’s announcement at the Greater Hamilton Library in Hamilton.
-Ends-