The Mount Dandenong Preschool building has been demolished.
The kindergarten building, on Mount Dandenong Tourist Road, was damaged in the June 2021 storm event.
It was confirmed in early December demolition works had been completed at the site, with a new building to be constructed at Mount Dandenong Primary School.
Yarra Ranges Council said the site had been a “constant reminder” of the impacts of the storm.
“We acknowledge that the demolition may create varying emotional responses from our Hills community,” the council said.
“The kindergarten has been temporarily located at Olinda Primary School since the storm, and will continue to do so until the new building is complete in 2024.
“The new co-located kindergarten building will include a multi-purpose community room and consulting room suitable for maternal and child health or other health services. The kindergarten and community room will also each have their own outdoor play area.”
According to the council, by rebuilding at the primary school the new facility will benefit local families by:
• Making kindergarten programs easier to access
• Making drop-off time simpler and more convenient for families accessing both the school and kindergarten
• Making the transition from kindergarten to school smoother for children
• Providing a consulting room that can be used by Maternal and child Health and other services
Yarra Ranges Council will contribute $400,000 to develop the co-located kindergarten, with the majority of funding being provided by the Department of Education.
More information on the rebuild can be found at the Victorian School Building Authority’s website – www.schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/mount-dandenong-preschool
