Renovated Kindergarten and Mechanics Institute Open

Published on 02 September 2024

A major refurbishment and extension of the Mansfield Kindergarten and renovation of the historic Mechanics Institute are now complete, providing an additional classroom and upgraded facilities.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said Council had provided project support and contributed funding to restoring the community assets.

“We’re grateful to the kindergarten’s volunteer committee for facilitating this major project,” said Cr Rabie.

“Council was happy to provide additional funding to ensure that the renovation of the Mechanics’ Institute could be completed as part of the project, for both kinder and community use.

The kindergarten extension increases Mansfield Shire’s capacity to host the next generation of our growing population. This is critical for strategically planning ahead for future generations,” said Cr Rabie.

The project achieved these outcomes:

• Increasing Mansfield Kindergarten’s licensed capacity from 62 to 95 places with addition of a new classroom.
• The refurbishment of the 74-year-old Mansfield Kindergarten building to meet modern standards, including the addition of an accessible toilet and shower, bathroom, laundry, cleaner’s room, five storage rooms and landscaping.
• Renovation of the historically significant Mechanics’ Institute, which has a heritage overlay.

“We know that early childhood education is critical and places for the youngest members of our community are limited. This project has increased our capacity to ensure families have the services they need,” said Cr Rabie.

“The Mechanics’ Institute is a much-loved icon of Mansfield’s history and I’m so pleased this Council asset has been restored to its former glory.

“The project was delivered while kindergarten services continued, which is an incredible achievement in itself.

The $2.66 million project has been jointly funded by the Victorian Government, Mansfield Shire Council and the Bendigo Bank. Council allocated funding of $289,000 in total to the project, in addition to providing significant in-kind support from the Mansfield Shire Capital Works team.  

Andrew Setchell, Project Manager from Mansfield Kindergarten, oversaw the project from inception in 2018 to completion. 

“I am understandably relieved to reach this point and incredibly proud of the facility that has been delivered for the Mansfield community.  A special thanks needs to be given to our funding partners, the Victorian State Government, Mansfield Shire Council and the Bendigo Bank Community Fund. 

“I would also like to highlight the amazing work of our architects, Bent Architecture, and contractor, Cronin Constructions and their staff.  A final special thanks needs to be given to our phenomenal staff and committee for their support and patience over many disruptive years. This is an incredible achievement for a small, community-run organisation.”

Quote Attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“Families in Mansfield now have even more access to kinder places close to home and at a centre that delivers quality early childhood education and services for families”.