Improving accessibility at Mount Clear Kindergarten

The Mount Clear Kindergarten is now even more accessible thanks to a joint project between the State Government and the City of Ballarat.  

The Mount Clear Accessibility Improvements Project was unveiled, with Member for Eureka Michaela Settle joining City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson and Eureka Community Kindergarten Association (ECKA) Chief Executive Officer, Jo Geurts for a tour of the facility.  

The Mount Clear Kindergarten is operated by ECKA in a City of Ballarat-owned facility.  

The State Government provided $118,600 for the improvement works through the Building Blocks program, allowing the City of Ballarat to provide the Mount Clear community with an inclusive kindergarten facility that meets all standards set out in the Disability Discrimination Act. The City of Ballarat contributed $143,085 to the project. 

The improvement works included: 

• The widening of two doorways for universal access. 
• Providing level floorspaces throughout the building and outdoor undercover area.
• The removal of non-compliant steps.
• The installation of two access ramps to the kinder yard.  
• The creation of a wheelchair-friendly “beach entry” to the existing sandpit. 
• The construction of a covered shade structure over the sandpit. 
• The removal of an old, treated pine pergola. 
• Re-use and re-fabrication of existing handrail to improve OH&S for staff, parents and children.  

These important upgrades align with the priorities outlined in both the City of Ballarat’s Municipal Early Years Plan 2022–2026 and the Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2022-2026. 

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the Mount Clear Accessibility Improvements Project would ensure all students at the facility can participate fully in kinder activities. 

“We know that people living with disabilities are more likely to face barriers to inclusion, which is why it is so important that we take practical action to foster a truly inclusive Ballarat,” he said.  

“The Mount Clear Accessibility Improvements Project is about ensuring children have access to suitable and accessible kindergarten infrastructure, so they can get the best start to their education. 

“We are thankful to the State Government for their investment in this project and are very proud to help deliver it for the families of Mount Clear.” 

Member for Eureka Michaela Settle said there shouldn’t be any barriers to education, including access to facilities.  

“That’s why we’ve provided Mount Clear Kindergarten with the funding they need to make their buildings and playspaces more accessible for our local kids, parents, and staff,” she said. 

The Mount Clear Accessibility Improvements Project is an example of the City of Ballarat’s commitment to delivering a better Ballarat. 

To register your child for kindergarten, visit the kindergarten page on the City of Ballarat website.