General News
15 February, 2025
Murtoa's Bani Walup: A new era of childcare
Murtoa’s first government-owned and operated childcare centre, ‘Bani Walup’, was officially opened on Wednesday, marking a significant milestone for early education in the region.
Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora declared the centre opening alongside children from the centre to celebrate the occasion.
Although Bani Walup began welcoming local children on February 3, its official launch brought together key figures, including Aboriginal community Representative Uncle Ron Marks, Early Learning Victoria CEO Darren Youngs, Yarriambiack Shire Council mayor Kylie Zanker, Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Inc south west marrung facilitator Peter Lovett, Department of Education early childhood improvement branch manager Debbie Moerkerk, Murtoa College principal Dr. Bec Carter, and centre’s director Carissa Fraser.
Bani Walup, which means ‘Little blue tongue’ in the local Aboriginal language was named in recognition of Murtoa’s connection to the blue-tongue lizard.
The centre provides childcare, a three-year-old kindergarten program, and a four-year-old pre-prep program.
It also features outdoor play areas, maternal and child health consulting room and dedicated space for community meetings and playgroups.
Early Learning Victoria Bani Walup (Murtoa) director Carissa Fraser shared that Bani Walup has already enrolled 56 children, close to its full capacity of 57.
“Most of our children are from Murtoa, with a few coming from surrounding towns like Horsham,” Mr Fraser said.
“We’ve got a lot of families that have never used day care because they haven’t had it around,” she said.
“It’s just amazing to be able to provide them with somewhere safe.”
The centre is staffed by a dedicated team of local educators who are based in Murtoa and Horsham.
Ms Fraser expressed excitement about strengthening ties with the community.
“We’re looking forward to more community outreach and getting families involved in activities,” she said.
While speaking to The Horsham Times, MP Ermacora highlighted the importance of early childhood learning in regional communities like Murtoa.
“It’s delightful to see young children and families enjoying this brand-new facility,” Ms Ermacora said.
She confirmed that the government’s plan to roll out 50 early learning centres across Victoria will focus on areas with greatest need.
“This initiative is about supporting parents, so they can study or return to work,” she said.
The Murtoa centre is one of four government-run early learning facilities opening this year, alongside those at Sunshine Primary School, Moomba Park Primary School and Eaglehawk North Primary School.
With 26 hours of pre-prep available each week and a strong focus on early learning, Bani Walup is set to become a cornerstone of Murtoa’s education landscape, giving local children the best start in life.
The centre will be open from 7:30am to 6:30 pm every Monday to Friday.