The State Government has granted a portion of Crown land in Kensington to Ngala to help expand its valuable support services to children and parents.
Ngala’s plans include a new multi-level building alongside their existing facility for a Children’s and Parenting Services Community Hub, additional office space and a new childcare facility.
Ngala is a not-for-profit organisation that was established in response to community needs for affordable childcare.
The organisation provides centre-based services for parents seeking high-quality early learning and development and assistance with child/parent relationships, child behaviour, sleep and settling, nutritional issues and perinatal mental health issues.
The existing childcare centre in Kensington currently has 54 places with a waitlist of 160 children, however, the land grant will assist the expansion to double Ngala’s childcare capacity.
The land is located on the corner of Hayman Road and George Street, Kensington, adjoining Ngala’s existing site.
The expansion complements the WA Planning Commission’s recently released Bentley-Curtin Specialised Activity Centre Plan. The plan identifies the area as a significant employment centre focused on education, innovation, technology and research activities that support the diversification of the State’s economy.
As noted by Lands Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Ngala has played a pivotal role in supporting WA families to access childcare and parenting support for more than 125 years, and is a service that families have grown to rely on.
“The Government is pleased to be able to help Ngala to expand their Kensington base to ensure even more families can access these vital services.
“This commitment will enable the organisation to double the centre’s childcare services by providing an additional 54 places and offer even more support to parents.
“Providing this land to Ngala fits the highest and best use of the land, in line with future plans for the Bentley-Curtin area.”
As noted by Community Services Minister Simone McGurk:
“Early childhood education is vital to support children’s development.
“By building strong foundations in the early years, we are supporting a brighter future for our children, our community and our State.
“Ngala has an outstanding reputation, and I am pleased the State Government can support the expansion of their Kensington service to allow parents and children access to high-quality early childhood education and parenting support.”
