Gowrie Victoria Celebrates 70 years of Excellence in Early Childhood Education

It was on the 8th December 1939, that the Lady Gowrie Child Centre was officially opened by the then Governor General’s wife, Lady Zara Gowrie, at a time when Australian troops were sent off to fight in World War II.

Former CEO and Board Member Sue Harper OAM addressed the 80 plus invited guests at the 70th Birthday celebrations in Carlton last night reflecting that “The many historical events over the last 70 years in Australia and around the world have helped to shape our evolution, beginning with a wartime children’s program, child health studies, mother and toddlers group and a library, through to the introduction of a long day care program, and training kindergarten teachers”.

Current CEO Gilda Howard said in her speech “we continue to offer a
comprehensive range of services including child care, pre-school and education and resources for practitioners and primary school teachers working with children from birth to 8 years of age”.

“As well as our birthday celebrations, this year we have embarked on a major
change for the organisation called Vision into Practice” Ms Howard went on to explain. “There are several reasons for the change including the extension of our business with the opening of our new early childhood service and training centre at Docklands, the introduction of the Early Years Learning Frameworks by the state and federal governments as well as the state’s new Children’s Services Regulations.

The new organisational structure will take us into the future so that we can
continue to advise, educate and support the early childhood sector in delivering quality programs”, Ms Howard said. “This is an exciting time in our history and for the sector.” she concluded.

The celebrations will continue in early 2010 with the 1st Birthday of The Harbour Family and Children’s Centre which opened in Victoria Harbour, Docklands in January 2009.

For more information, or to interview the Gowrie Victoria CEO contact
Heather Masterman, Marketing Manager, Gowrie Victoria, Ph: 9347 6388