Refurbished Alpha Children’s Centre Officially Open

Minister for Children and Youth Affairs, Larry Anthony, today officially opened the newly refurbished Alpha Children’s Centre in Richmond, Melbourne.

The Australian Government has provided more than $500,000 to upgrade and expand the facilities at the Alpha Children’s Centre, operated by the Australian Greek Welfare Society (AGWS).

“AGWS has been operating since the early 1970s and provides services to Melbourne’s Greek community covering employment, aged care, people with disabilities, community development and education, and drug prevention.

“The Alpha Children’s Centre is an important part of the local community, providing long day care to families in Richmond and the surrounding suburbs.

“For the past six years, the Centre has received the highest level rating of the Australian Government’s Quality Improvement and Accreditation System. This latest upgrade is keeping the building in line with State and local government health and safety regulations, and state licensing requirements.

“The Centre also receives additional funding from the Australian Government for a Supplementary Service Program worker who provides extra support for children from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds as well as those with disabilities and development concerns.

“Helping children get the best start in life, the Centre is also participating in the Victorian Government’s ‘Start Right, Eat Right’program encouraging good nutrition. The Centre is also accredited as ‘asthma friendly’.

“The Alpha Children’s Centre is a wonderful example of just what can be achieved when different levels of government and the community work together towards a common goal,” Mr Anthony said.