More than a kindergarten – it’s home

Supporters help create a place where children’s rights to play, learn and connect to culture are protected

On a quiet street in a little town there’s a special place where 3- and 4-year-olds go to play and learn. It’s known simply as Mooroopna Kindergarten, a beloved early childhood service operating in the Shepparton area since the 1960s. 

Provided by 54 reasons, part of Save the Children Australia, the kindy’s long connection with local families spans generations. 

It’s not unusual for parents to bring their children or even grandchildren to the same place where they themselves started their learning. This has led many to fondly regard the kindy as “home”, a place where they feel welcome, supported and where they belong.

Around 60 children are attending the kindy, made up of 75-80% First Nations children and 20-25% children from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, which are reflective of the population in the area.

Creating a safe space that protects child rights 

Protecting children’s rights underpins the work of 54 reasons in our communities, including at Mooroopna Kindergarten. The goal to provide a safe space was a driver behind the restoration and extension undertaken at the kindergarten building over the years. 

But providing a safe place where children can express their rights to play, learn and connect to culture also demanded an upgrade to the outdoor play area. We envisioned a playground with a range of safe and engaging play opportunities. This included a gathering and yarning area that can provide a strong connection to culture and Country. 

Generous individuals and partners answered the call for support to carry out our vision. Ashley Sheldrick from GbLA Landscape Architects immediately offered pro bono to develop a landscape plan to suit the needs of the kinder, and provide a cultural and sensory play space. 

This was followed by Lark Industries’ donation of amazing playground equipment. Our generous donors Margot Melzak and Moose Happy Kids Foundation provided the funding to bring the vision to life.

Our donors shared their reasons for supporting the development of Mooroopna Kindergarten’s playground.

Bringing the vision to life, at last

With the devastating floods that impacted Mooroopna and Shepparton in October 2022, the playground development had to be put on hold. The entire kinder was destroyed, and the service continued to operate from temporary locations around the community.

In 2024, after two years of being away from its original site, Mooroopna Kindergarten is finally back. 

Our vision, with the support of our generous supporters, has been completed, and the kindy proudly opened its doors to children and their families – with more opportunities to learn and be active at the much improved outdoors playground.

The space is once again filled with the laughter of young children, a place where fond memories can continue to be made through the generations of families who call it home.

Photos: Sharon French / Save the Children Australia.