Winifred Nance Kindergarten celebrates 70 years

Winifred Nance Kindergarten celebrated its 70th anniversary of providing kindergarten for children in the Colac community in June.

The kindergarten in Gilmartin Street, Colac officially opened on 7 June 1951. It was named after Mrs Winifred Nance for her contribution as Treasurer of the Colac Free Kindergarten during the 1940s.

Winifred Nance Teacher Tammy Cameron said the kindergarten had a long and rich history in the Colac community.

“Over the past 70 years, we’ve seen many generations of local families pass through the gates of Winifred Nance Kindergarten, giving children in Colac the best start to their early education,” she said.

“Winifred Nance Kindergarten is a much loved and exciting place for children to learn and play. We are well connected with our local community, regularly partnering with Colac West Primary School to extend learning opportunities and enjoying annual visits to Red Rock.”

“After 70 years, Winifred Nance Kindergarten is proud to continue delivering a high quality early childhood experience in a recently refurbished, modern learning environment with plans for a new playground currently being developed.”

Winifred Nance Kindergarten currently provide three and four year old kindergarten programs with 48 children enrolled in 2021.

BCYF (Barwon Child, Youth & Family), who manages the operation of Winifred Nance Kindergarten, congratulated the kindergarten community on reaching this significant milestone.

“For many years Winifred Nance kindergarten was managed by a volunteer parent committee and they must be acknowledged for the wonderful work that has contributed greatly to the high esteem in which the kindergarten is held in the community,” Manager Early Years Education & Community, Julie Molloy said.

“While the service is now managed by BCYF, parents continue to provide support in many valuable ways including fundraising, working bees and social events. We thank all those staff, families and community members who have been part of the Winifred Nance Kindergarten over the past 70 years.”

“Kindergarten has changed greatly in recent times. Three year old kindergarten is now subsidised by the Victorian Government, recognising the importance of play based education in the early years,” she added.

For more information on BCYF’s 3 and 4-year-old kindergarten programs contact BCYF on 03 5226 8900 or families can register on our website www.bcyf.org.au/registration.

Main picture: Sam Monaghetti attended Winifred Nance Kindergarten in 1997, pictured with her son, Darcy Lovel, a current student. Teacher Zelma Taylor, taught Sam and now teaches Darcy. Photography: Colac Herald.