Billy Button Children’s Centre officially opened
Published on 17 June 2022
Paying homage to the native yellow flowers that grew in the area, and the creek that once flowed through Footscray, the brand new state of the art Billy Button Children’s Centre officially opened this week.
Jointly funded by Maribyrnong City Council and the State Government, the Billy Button Children’s Centre began welcoming families at the start of Term 2 in April this year, and provides three and four year old kindergarten, long day care and maternal and child health services while supporting a seamless transition from early years to primary school due to its close proximity to Footscray City Primary School.
Catering for children’s early education between infancy and pre-school (5 years), the Centre has a range of interactive play spaces to support learning, development and creative exploration, including indoor class rooms, and outdoor gardens and play areas.
It forms part of the $110 million dollar Footscray Learning Precinct, which incorporates Footscray City Primary School, Footscray High School and partners Maribyrnong City Council and Victoria University, with funding support from the Victorian Government.
The precinct links, expands and upgrades schools across Melbourne’s inner west and integrates learning at all levels, from early childhood to university. It also celebrates the richness and diversity of the community, along with providing excellence in teaching and delivering interactive opportunities for learning across all stages of education.
Located on Hyde Street next to the iconic Bluestone Church, the Billy Button Centre replaces the outdated single room kindergarten that had operated on the site for over 60 years.
The native yellows flowers have been incorporated into the building design, with large yellow flower artworks radiating across the playground and walkways.
The Centre was officially opened on Thursday 16 June by Ingrid Stitt, Minister for Early Childhood and Mayor, Councillor Anthony Tran and Katie Hall MP Member for Footscray.
For more information and to register for three and four year old kindergarten, long day care and maternal and child health services at Billy Button Children’s Centre, visit maribyrnong.vic.gov.au
Message from the Mayor, Cr Anthony Tran
It’s wonderful to see this brand new Centre open and welcoming children from across Maribyrnong. Council plays a vital role in delivering services for children in their early years, including kindergarten and long day care services just like this, and I hope the community makes the most of this facility now and for years to come.
Maribyrnong News
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