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Childhood issues need addressing
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Childhood issues need addressing

A timeframe on when operational and capital works issues will be addressed at Omeo Early Childhood Development Centre has been sought in State Parliament by Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull.
 
While the facility opened at the start of the year, Mr Bull said concerned parents were disappointed with what they say has been a complete lack of consultation and communication from above on the works that were required for completion.
 
“There are strong concerns this is now interfering with the services provided at this centre,” Mr Bull said.
 
“Most critically, I have been informed the operator, UnitingCare Gippsland, is still waiting on the finalisation of its funding and service agreement with the Department of Education and Training,” he told Parliament.
 
“I am told the centre would not have opened if it were not for three parents and one community member, who spent the day before resumption of kinder mowing, whipper-snipping and clearing lawn clippings.”
 
Mr Bull said the new building was also incomplete, with landscaping works required on top of small, but important, structural jobs staff had identified.
 
“Early childhood educators should not be burdened with these distractions, as they need to concentrate on their important work.
 
“Concerns reported to me suggest there has been complete lack of transparency and accountability towards the project, with this ultimately affecting the education and care of children who attend this facility.
 
“While parents have raised these matters with the powers above, I understand they cannot get answers when this work will be attended to, which is the reason why I am seeking a timeframe on when this will be completed,” he said.
 
Friday, April 6, 2018