New early years hubs to support growing communities
Published on 29 October 2026
Construction has started on new early years hubs in Epping and Thomastown that will bring learning, development and wellbeing services together to support local children and families.
The Derby Meadows Preschool and Boori Children's Centre in Winchester Avenue, Epping, and Dalton Road Kindergarten and Maternal Child Health Centre in Thomastown have been demolished to make way for modern, purpose-built facilities.
Each centre will feature two kindergarten rooms, two Maternal and Child Health consulting rooms, multipurpose spaces, staff facilities, an outdoor play area and on-site parking.
By bringing kindergarten and Maternal and Child Health services together under one roof, the integrated centres will make it easier for families to access essential early years services.
The centres will also help meet growing demand for three- and four-year-old kindergarten, with each centre providing up to 132 kindergarten places.
Designed with sustainability in mind, both facilities will include solar panels, double-glazed windows and rainwater re-use systems.
City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Lawrie Cox joined Member for Thomastown Bronwyn Halfpenny MP on 19 October and Member for Mill Park The Hon. Lily D'Ambrosio MP on 22 October to officially mark the start of construction at the two sites.
The new facilities are both expected to open in time for Term 1, 2028.
The Derby Meadows and Boori Children's Centre redevelopment is funded by Council with the support of the Victorian Government through $4.5 million from the Building Blocks Partnership and $1 million from the Growing Suburbs Fund.
The Dalton Road Kindergarten and Maternal Child Health Centre project is funded by Council with support from a $4.5 million grant from the Victorian Government's Building Blocks Partnership.
Quotes attributable to City of Whittlesea Mayor, Councillor Lawrie Cox:
“These projects are about supporting local families and ensuring children have access to quality services during the most important years of their development," he said.
"As our city continues to grow, it is vital that we invest in the early years infrastructure our community needs to give children the best possible start in life.
"I thank the Victorian Government for its financial support through the Building Blocks Partnership and Growing Suburbs Fund."