A new kindergarten has been officially opened in Donnybrook, known as the Murnong Kindergarten.
Murnong means ‘yam daisy’ in the Woi Wurrung language of the Wurundjeri people.
This pays homage to the roots of Murnong plants, which were an important traditional source of food for Aboriginal people.
The new centre has 33 places for kids in 2024.
Yan Yean MP Lauren Kathage said another kindergarten being built was important to keep up with the rapid growth of the area.
“Our Donnybrook community is growing fast and so are our little ones,” she said.
“I am so happy that now we have a Donnybrook based Kindy that can help our youngest residents learn and play close to home.”
“Even better, when they finish their time here, they can jump the fence and get a
first-rate education at Donnybrook Primary School (next door) which we opened last year.”
The kindergarten has been built on the same site as the school, in line with the state government’s Kindergartens on School sites program, which aims to create a seamless transition from kindergarten to primary school for the next generation.
To further enhance the area, the Murnong Community Centre was also announced.
This community centre will host a further two modern kindergarten rooms and a suite
of services and amenities such as a Maternal and Child Health Service, a community hall,
kitchen, two meeting rooms, community lounge and a mini-branch library.
Construction is set to commence mid 2024 with an expected opening date late next year.
Gerald Lynch
