Show Your Support - Rainbow Early Years Hub

Published on 22 May 2026

Hindmarsh Shire Council is supporting Emerge Early Years Services in their funding application under the Federal Government’s Building Early Education Fund (BEEF) to construct an integrated Early Years Hub at Rainbow P-12 College. The project scope includes a new facility that will encompass kindergarten, long day care, and other early years services such as supported playgroup, maternal child health, and allied health services.

The Federal Government’s Building Early Education Fund is a national competitive program for early childhood education service providers. Council’s support of Emerge’s application extends the existing collaboration between Emerge as the service provider and Council, who is responsible for the facility.

Community Support Needed
As part of the funding application, Council is collating a ‘Community Letter of Support’ through an online form. The online form is currently open and will be accepting submissions of support until 9am Friday 29 May 2026. The submitted names will form an attachment along with an accompanying advocacy document that will further detail the need for long daycare, and a new facility in Rainbow.

Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ron Ismay said “Council is supportive of the project that will see all services for young families placed at the school. The funding application is the first stage in the process, and if successful, we’ll be thrilled to see this project delivered. Last week’s community meeting provided a brief overview of the application and desired project, with strong engagement from the community members in attendance. Right now, we need to show the funding providers that this project has widespread community support”.

Cr Ismay continued “The lack of childcare in Rainbow has a significant impact on families and our local economy. The opportunity to co-locate at the P-12 College has many benefits to the families and, if successful will have a profound impact on our community for generations. I encourage every resident, regardless of whether they are personally in need of daycare to complete the form to show your support for your fellow community members.”

The online form can be completed by visiting https://form.jotform.com/hindmarsh_2/rainbow-early-years-hub or alternatively scan the QR Code below.

QR Code to complete online form:

Families who wish to tell their story about how they are impacted by the lack of daycare options in the area can contribute to the advocacy document by completing the form, or by contacting Katherine Colbert, Manager Community Strategy and Engagement, on 03 5391 4444, or by email at kcolbert@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Monica Revell
Chief Executive Officer