Expanding access to early education in Whitlam

The Albanese and ACT Governments have reached a historic agreement delivering $10 million through the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund to deliver more not-for-profit early learning at the Whitlam School in Canberra.  

This Albanese Labor Government funding will go towards building a new early childhood education and care service at the new Whitlam School, delivering 130 new early childhood education and care places for families in 2028.

The ACT Government is also contributing $3 million towards the project.

Whitlam School will cater to 780 students from preschool to Year 6 for the growing number of families in the Molonglo Valley. Co-locating the service at the school site will also mean better continuity for children and convenience for parents.

The $1 billion Building Early Education Fund provides capital funding to build and expand early learning services in areas of need, including regional communities and outer suburbs, helping families access quality early learning close to home.

These investments will support workforce participation, strengthen regional communities and help more children get the best possible start in life.

More information about the Building Early Education Fund is available at: Building Early Education Fund - Department of Education, Australian Government

Quotes attributable to Minister for Education Jason Clare: 

“The Building Early Education Fund will help deliver more quality early education places for families in communities that need them most.

“Where you grow up shouldn’t determine whether you can access early education.

“These projects in the ACT mean more families can access early learning close to home and more children start school ready to go and ready to learn.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood Education Jess Walsh:

“I am so proud the Albanese and Barr Labor Governments are partnering to deliver more early learning centres for Canberran children and families. 

“Every child deserves access to quality early learning – no matter their postcode.

“Our $1 billion Building Early Education Fund is delivering more early learning centres for more families in more places, particularly in our outer suburbs and regions.

“This project means more families in Whitlam can access early learning close to home and more children can get the best possible start in life.

“This is an important step towards building a universal early childhood education system.”

Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Education and Early Childhood Yvette Berry MLA: 

“High quality early education plays a critical role in supporting children in life-long learning.

“This is an exciting time for families living in Whitlam and the surrounding areas, knowing they will have a modern early learning and care centre in their neighbourhood. 

“The ACT is proud to be working with the Federal Labor Government to deliver yet another important service for Canberrans.”