Hopetoun Early Years Closure Update and Temporary Arrangements

Yarriambiack Shire Council and Emerge Early Years Services are working closely together to respond to significant damage at the Hopetoun Early Years building following a major water incident identified in May 2025.

The water damage was caused by a burst water main located beneath the building, which has impacted the subfloor structure.  Due to the extent of the damage, the facility has been closed while assessments and remediation planning are undertaken. 

Preliminary assessments indicate the building will remain closed for an extended period, with early estimates suggesting a minimum closure of 12 months.  The affected flooring is currently being removed to allow for further investigation, and both Council and Emerge expect to have a clearer understanding of the full extent of the damage in the coming weeks. Importantly, the underlying soil must be allowed to sufficiently dry before any restoration works can commence. 

During this period, Emerge Early Years Services has continued to deliver kindergarten programs through alternative arrangements while working with the Victorian Early Childhood Regulatory Authority to establish a suitable temporary location.  It is anticipated that the Hopetoun Senior Citizens building will be used as an interim kindergarten site while longer-term temporary solutions are finalised. 

Emerge Early Years Services Chief Executive Officer, Elicia Napoli, acknowledged the disruption to families and staff and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to maintaining high-quality early years services. 

“While this situation is incredibly challenging, our priority remains ensuring children continue to access quality early learning.  Our team has worked tirelessly to maintain kindergarten programs despite the displacement, and we are actively working with regulatory authorities to secure both short-term and longer-term solutions for our families.” 

Council and Emerge recognise that the building damage has delayed the anticipated opening of childcare services, which is a disappointing outcome for the community.  Both organisations remain committed to exploring all viable options to support the return of childcare services as soon as possible. 

Yarriambiack Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Tammy Smith praised the efforts of Emerge staff and acknowledged the community’s patience. 

“I would like to sincerely thank Emerge Early Years Services and the Hopetoun Kindergarten staff for their professionalism and unwavering dedication to supporting local families. It would have been easy to suspend services altogether, however the team has demonstrated an exemplary commitment to putting children first by continuing to deliver programs under difficult circumstances.” 

“Council understands how important both kindergarten and childcare services are to our community.  We are working closely with Emerge, our insurers, the Victorian Department of Education and the Victorian School Building Authority to ensure a thorough and timely response.  We remain committed to keeping families informed and to supporting the restoration of these vital services.” 

Council and Emerge will continue to provide updates to families and the broader community as further information becomes available. 

Both organisations thank the Hopetoun community for its patience and understanding while this complex issue is being resolved.