Hopetoun Early Years Closure Update and Temporary Arrangements

Hopetoun Early Years Closure Update and Temporary Arrangements

Yarriambiack Shire Council

and

Emerge Early Years Services

are working closely together to respond to significant damage at the

Hopetoun Early Years building

following a major water incident identified in May 2025.

The water damage was caused by a burst water main located beneath the building, which has impacted the subfloor structure. Due to the extent of the damage, the facility has been closed while assessments and remediation planning are undertaken.

Preliminary assessments indicate the building will remain closed for an extended period, with early estimates suggesting a minimum closure of 12 months. The affected flooring is currently being removed to allow for further investigation, and both Council and

Emerge

expect to have a clearer understanding of the full extent of the damage in the coming weeks. Importantly, the underlying soil must be allowed to sufficiently dry before any restoration works can commence.

During this period,

Emerge Early Years Services

has continued to deliver kindergarten programs through alternative arrangements while working with the

Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority

to establish a suitable temporary location. It is anticipated that the

Hopetoun Senior Citizens

building

will be used as an interim kindergarten site while longer-term temporary solutions are finalised.

Emerge Early Years Services

Chief Executive Officer, Elicia Napoli, acknowledged the disruption to families and staff and reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to maintaining high-quality early years services.

"While this situation is incredibly challenging, our priority remains ensuring children continue to access quality early learning. Our team has worked tirelessly to maintain kindergarten programs despite the displacement, and we are actively working with regulatory authorities to secure both short-term and longer-term solutions for our families."

Council and

Emerge

recognise that the building damage has delayed the anticipated opening of childcare services, which is a disappointing outcome for the community. Both organisations remain committed to exploring all viable options to support the return of childcare services as soon as possible.

Yarriambiack Shire Council

Chief Executive Officer Tammy Smith praised the efforts of

Emerge

staff and acknowledged the community's patience.

"I would like to sincerely thank

Emerge Early Years Services

and the Hopetoun Kindergarten staff for their professionalism and unwavering dedication to supporting local families. It would have been easy to suspend services altogether, however the team has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to putting children first by continuing to deliver programs under difficult circumstances."

"Council understands how important both kindergarten and childcare services are to our community. We are working closely with

Emerge

, our insurers, the

Victorian Department of Education

and the

Victorian School Building Authority

to ensure a thorough and timely response. We remain committed to keeping families informed and to supporting the restoration of these vital services."

Council and

Emerge

will continue to provide updates to families and the broader community as further information becomes available.

Both organisations thank the Hopetoun community for its patience and understanding while this complex issue is being resolved.

END OF RELEASE

Media Contact:

Yarriambiack Shire Council - Tammy Smith, Chief Executive Officer

Emerge Early Years Services -

Elicia Napoli, Chief Executive Officer

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