End of an era, but the beginning of a new one

Published on 24 July 2025

As construction begins on the latest addition to Loddon Shire’s educational landscape, the service it will replace will officially close at the end of this year.

Loddon Shire Council at its July monthly meeting decided to cease the delivery of sessional kindergarten in Wedderburn at the end of Term 4, 2025.

But as the Wedderburn Kindergarten closes, the new Wedderburn Early Learning Centre, run by the Victorian Government, is rising on the Wedderburn P-12 College site to take its place from Term 1, 2026.

The Early Learning Centre will provide long day care as well as both integrated and sessional kindergarten programs, strengthening access to early childhood education and care services for families in Wedderburn and surrounding areas.

It will provide families with other children at the school easier drop offs and enhances the early years to school transition.

The delivery of childcare and kindergarten will also enhance the childcare to kindergarten transition.

Having long day care with kindergarten embedded offers families more flexible access to longer hours than a stand-alone sessional kindergarten.

Staff have also been kept informed about the pending closure, and their options.

Council also decided to provide public notice of its intention to sell the Wedderburn Kindergarten building, which will become surplus to requirements following the closure of the service.

The public will have four weeks to have its say on the proposed sale.

Loddon Shire Mayor Dan Straub said closing the kindergarten made sense.

“While change can be difficult, this building has served the community well over many years, and importantly a kindergarten service will continue to be available in Wedderburn from next year, and one that will offer more convenience and accessibility for families,” he said.

“In line with Council’s responsibilities as an employer, an engagement and consultation process has been undertaken with staff at the Wedderburn Kindergarten.

“Initial conversations have also taken place with the kindergarten parents committee and families using the service.

“Council’s kindergarten team will continue to provide information to staff and families throughout the transition process.”