Building brighter futures through investment in early learning

Published on 23 July 2026

Early childhood services in Epping and Thomastown will receive a major boost after the City of Whittlesea awarded contracts for the construction of two purpose-built facilities.

Work will soon begin on the redevelopment of the Boori Children’s Services Maternal and Child Health Centre and Derby Meadows Preschool in Epping to create a new, integrated facility.

The redevelopment of Dalton Road Kindergarten and Maternal and Child Health Centre in Thomastown will also soon get underway.

Together, these projects will create modern, expanded spaces to better meet the needs of growing communities.

The facilities will each feature two kindergarten rooms, MCH consulting spaces, a multipurpose activity room, staff amenities, an outdoor play area and on-site parking.

Construction on both projects is scheduled to begin in September 2026, with the kindergartens expected to open in early 2028.

Councillors awarded the contracts at the 21 July Council Meeting following a competitive tender process conducted earlier in the year.

The projects are funded by the City of Whittlesea with support from two grants of up to $4.5 million from the Victorian Government’s Building Blocks Partnership program.

Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Lawrie Cox:

“Kindergarten and Maternal and Child Health services play a vital role in supporting children’s early learning, development and wellbeing,” he said.

“These upgraded kindergartens and MCH spaces will give more children access to quality early learning opportunities close to home.

“Bringing kindergarten and MCH services together at these facilities will make it easier for families to access essential support in one convenient location.

“I thank the Victorian Government for their financial support under the Building Blocks Partnership program.”