NEw After-kindy care for miles families
Local children now have access to after-hours care at Murilla Kindergarten, thanks to a new partnership with Vena Group, whose renewable energy arm Vena Energy operates within the Western Downs region.
The Vena Group After-Kindy Care Program runs Monday to Thursday from 2:30pm to 5:15pm through 2026 and 2027, accommodating up to 10 children per day. The program picks up where the kindy day ends, led by a qualified early childhood educator and built around intentional, play-based experiences including arts and crafts, outdoor exploration, group games and quiet relaxation time. Children continue learning within the Early Years Learning Framework, in a familiar environment they already know.
The initiative responds to feedback from local families who identified the need for more flexible care options to support workforce participation and work-life balance. With limited regulated after-hours childcare previously available in Miles, the program fills a genuine gap, particularly for families who would otherwise face the added burden of travelling considerable distances for care.
Ingrid Uebergang, President of the Murilla Kindergarten Association Inc., says Vena Group’s support has made a remarkable difference for families.
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“For our rural community, this support has been even more significant. Access to quality early childhood care close to home isn’t always a given, and without this program many families would face the added burden of travelling considerable distances for after-hours care. Being able to offer that locally has eased real pressure on parents and kept children learning and socialising within their own community.”
Owen Sela, Head of Australia at Vena Energy, says the partnership made sense for a company that’s been part of the Western Downs community for some time.
“Vena Energy is active in the Western Downs region and we take that responsibility seriously. Access to quality early childhood care is fundamental to a thriving community, and we’re proud to support Murilla Kindy in making this available for local families.”
Read the full article published in the Murilla Community News.
