Grant Update - Rainbow Early Years Hub
Published on 15 July 2026
Joint Media Release - Emerge Early Years Services and Hindmarsh Shire Council
Hindmarsh Shire Council and Emerge Early Years Services can confirm that the Rainbow Early Years Hub application through the Federal Government’s Building Early Education Fund was unsuccessful.
With the intention of constructing an integrated Early Years Hub at Rainbow P-12 College, the project would transform early childhood education in Rainbow and surrounding areas. The project scope included a new facility encompassing kindergarten, long day care, and other early years services such as supported playgroup, maternal child health, and allied health services.
Emerge Early Years Service Chief Executive Officer Elicia Napoli said, “This application was an opportunity that we couldn’t pass up. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been successful this time, but we’re committed to achieving improved outcomes for Rainbow children, families and the community. The work completed in preparing for this application will allow us to be ready for future grants that may arise.”
Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ron Ismay said, “While we’re disappointed with the outcome of this application, we will continue to work with Emerge, Rainbow P-12 College, and the Rainbow community to continue advocating for funding this worthwhile project.”
Cr Ismay continued, “We’d like to thank the Rainbow community for their support for the project during this application process. We were overwhelmed with the positive turn out for the community meeting and had 69 signatures on the community support letter highlighting the real need for expanded services in the region.”
The Federal Government’s Building Early Education Fund closed on 29 May 2026. A list of successful projects had not been listed at time of publishing.
For more information, please contact Katherine Colbert, Manager Community Strategy and Engagement, on (03) 5391 4444, or email kcolbert@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.
Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer