General News
30 May, 2026
Support Rainbow's daycare
THE Hindmarsh Shire Council is supporting Emerge Early Years Services in its application to the Federal Government’s Building Early Education Fund to build an integrated Early Years Hub at Rainbow P-12 College.
The proposed new facility would bring together kindergarten, long day care and other early years services, including supported playgroup, maternal and child health, and allied health services.
The council is now calling on the community to show its support by completing an online form.
Submissions close at 9am on Friday, May 29.
The names submitted will be included in a Community Letter of Support, which will accompany an advocacy document outlining the need for long-day care and a new facility in Rainbow.
Hindmarsh Shire Council mayor Ron Ismay said the funding application is the first step of the process.
“Council is supportive of the project that will see all services for young families placed at the school, and the funding application is the first stage in the process,” he said.
“If successful, we’ll be thrilled to see this project delivered.
“Last week’s community meeting provided a brief overview of the application and the desired project, with strong engagement from the community members in attendance.
“Right now, we need to show the funding providers that this project has widespread community support”.
He also said that locating the daycare at P-12 College will provide many benefits to families.
“The lack of childcare in Rainbow has a significant impact on families and our local economy,” he said.
“The opportunity to co-locate at the P-12 College has many benefits to the families and, if successful, will have a profound impact on our community for generations.
“I encourage every resident, regardless of whether they are personally in need of daycare, to complete the form to show your support for your fellow community members.”
Residents can complete the online form at: https://form.jotform.com/hindmarsh_2/rainbow-early-years-hub.
Families who want to share how the lack of daycare options has affected them can also contribute to the advocacy document via the form or by contacting Katherine Colbert, manager, community strategy and engagement, on 03 5391 4444 or kcolbert@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.