Kids at-home in refurbished Emerald Preschool building

The fire, which occurred in the 3-year-old kindergarten room at 7/9 Kings Road, Emerald, on 5 February 2024, caused extensive smoke damage throughout the facility and required substantial rectification works.

Despite the challenges, Cardinia Shire Council, in partnership with the Early Years Manager (EYM), One Tree Community Services, and the Department of Education, worked tirelessly and collaboratively to complete the building restoration within a very short timeframe and with minimal disruption to the children's education and family routines.

Council’s Early Years team worked closely with One Tree Community Services and the Department of Education to ensure both kindergarten programs could be relocated within the local community.

For the remainder of Term 1, the 3-year-old kindergarten classes were relocated to St. Marks Childcare Centre in Emerald and the 4-year-old classes were relocated to Emerald Primary School. A small number of families elected to be transferred to Avonsleigh Preschool, as the timetable better suited their needs.

Council also worked closely with City of Casey, which generously supported the displaced service by lending furniture and equipment during the refurbishment project.

At the start of Term 2, both 3- and 4-year-old children were joyfully welcomed back into the newly restored Emerald Preschool.

With the recent commencement of Term 3, 2024, Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Jack Kowarzik, Ranges Ward Councillor Jeff Springfield, and Council staff from the Early Years team visited the facility to see the children at play.

Mayor Kowarzik said it was wonderful to see everyone at-home in the refurbished facility and thanked all those involved and impacted during the project for their dedication, understanding and support.

“It’s always so satisfying to see our community not only using Council facilities but making them their home away from home. It was no different for us visiting today; seeing and hearing how the kids, families and teachers have settled in at the centre during Term 2 and have recently returned, full of enthusiasm, for Term 3.

“On behalf of Cardinia Shire Council, I’d like to thank all the staff involved from Cardinia Shire and City of Casey Councils, the Early Years Manager, Department of Education, and of course the local families of the service. It was their tireless and collaborative efforts that made this achievement possible,” Mayor Kowarzik said.

“Thank you to everyone involved, from the discovery of the fire through to today – especially the families, the Preschool staff, and the local community for their patience and understanding throughout.”

Cardinia Shire Ranges Ward Councillor Jeff Springfield commended the families and educators of the service for their patience, understanding and cooperation.

“I’m very proud to be a part of the Hills community, never more-so than when I see us all coming together to support one another. I’d like to thank the families and educators at Emerald Preschool for their flexibility and consideration and share how impressed I am with their resilience during what must have been a stressful time,” Cr Springfield said.

“It was fantastic to see the children learning and playing, and the teachers enjoying the refurbished building. I look forward to seeing our local community enjoying it for many, many more years to come.”

For more information about kindergarten in Cardinia Shire, visit www.cardinia.vic.gov.au/kindergarten.

For enquiries, please contact our Early Years team by email to mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au or by calling 1300 787 624.