We are installing solar lighting along the car park entry and in the car parks at Ashburton Park, Ashburton. We are doing this to:

• provide safer access to the sportsground car park in the evening and after dark
• encourage more participation in sport by people of all genders - this forms part of our Diversity, Inclusion and Participation Program which you can find out more about by emailing our Sport and Recreation department at [email protected] or calling us on (03) 9278 4444.

About the project

Eight solar lights will be installed along the sportsground side of the entry and car parks at Ashburton Park. This includes the removal and replacement of 2 existing lights which are powered by electricity with solar lights.

Key features of the lighting include:

• targeted light to minimise impact on wildlife and surrounding neighbourhood
• energy-efficient LED lighting generated by solar power
• controlled timing, with the lights switched off between the hours of 10 pm and 5 am - this may change slightly in accordance with the sporting clubs allocated times at Ashburton Park.

We will also complete car park rectification works as part of this project.

Timeline

The works will be delivered in 2 stages:

1. Removal of the 2 existing lights powered by mains electricity (subject to authority approval) and installation of 8 new solar lights. The colour of the lighting poles will be black.
2. Car park rectification works and undergrounding the overhead wire from Fakenham Road (subject to further investigation). This wire currently powers one electrical light (which will be decommissioned), the barbeque and the maintenance shed.

All works are expected to be delivered from late April 2023 and completed by mid-2024. The undergrounding of the overhead wire is subject to investigations and may occur at a later date.

More information

For more information about the project, you can email our Landscape and Design Department at [email protected] or call us on (03) 9278 4444.

Please note: We’re renewing Estrella Preschool in 2026 as part of our early childhood facility renewal program. While works are underway, the kindergarten program will be temporarily relocated to the Solway Primary School Hall, 18 Taylor Street, Ashburton. Find out more on our Estrella Preschool renewal page.

About Estrella Preschool

Play-based learning is at the heart of the Estrella program and takes place in both indoor and outdoor spaces. 

The large, light filled main room is inviting and engaging. The generous and natural outdoor environment offers endless possibilities for creative activity and fun. 

The dedicated and creative educators work hard to sustain an environment that encompasses the kinder's philosophies and promotes discovery, exploration, problem-solving, creativity, literacy, independence and resilience. 

2026 and provisional 2027 session times

3-year-old kindergarten program

Orange Possums group

This program offers 15 hours of free kinder per week.

4-year-old kindergarten program

Blue Owls group

This program offers 15 hours of free kinder per week.

Green Owls group

This program offers 15 hours of free kinder per week.

Yellow Owls group

This program offers 15 hours of free kinder per week.

2026 and 2027 fees per term

The Victorian Government Free Kinder initiative is available at this kindergarten. Concession rates are not applicable.

3-year-old kindergarten program (15 hours per week): Free

4-year-old kindergarten program (15 hours per week): Free

Voluntary costs

3- and 4-year-old groups: $1,200 annually. A payment plan can be arranged, please discuss options with Estrella administration.

Additional excursion or incursion fees may apply.

Rating against the National Quality Standard

Early childhood education and care services are assessed and rated against the National Quality Standard (NQS) to:

• promote continuous improvement in the provision of quality education and care
• improve knowledge and access to information about the quality of services to help families make informed decisions about their child’s education and care.

See Estrella Preschool's rating against the NQS and learn more about the rating and assessment process on the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority website.   

Note: These details have been provided by Estrella Preschool. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Estrella Preschool website.

A community-focused centre with playgroups, occasional care and kindergarten programs.

Centre tours

The Craig Family Centre is happy to organise tours of the centre. Tours are available at 10:30 am. To book a place please call our administration team on (03) 9885 7789.

About Craig Family Centre

This kindergarten embraces a diverse, inclusive community in a supportive and welcoming environment set in a bush setting and modern facility.

Children are encouraged to develop their individuality against a backdrop of educational opportunities that foster a love of learning and fun whilst developing foundations skills that will equip them in the future stages of life.

We offer occasional care and extended hours along with the child care subsidy where applicable.

Learn more about the centre's staff, programs, facilities and philosophies on the Craig Family Centre website.

2026 and provisional 2027 session times

3-year-old kindergarten program

Kangaroo group

This program offers 15 hours of free kinder per week, and 3 hours of additional optional hours.

Wombat group

This program offers 15 hours of free kinder per week, and 12 hours of additional optional hours.

4-year-old kindergarten program

Koala group

This program offers 15 hours of free kinder per week, and 3 hours of additional optional hours.

Platypus group

This program offers 15 hours of free kinder per week, and 12 hours of additional optional hours.

2026 fees per term

The Victorian Government Free Kinder initiative is available at this kindergarten. Concession rates are not applicable.

3-year-old kindergarten program

• Kangaroo (15 hours per week): Free
  • Additional hours 8 am to 8:30 am: $9 per half hour/day
  • Additional hours 4 pm to 5 pm: $18 per hour/day.
• Wombat (15 hours per week): Free
  • Additional hours 8 am to 9 am: $18 per hour/day
  • Additional hours 2 pm to 5 pm: $50 for 3 hours per day.

4-year-old kindergarten program

• Koala (15 hours per week): Free
  • Additional hours 8 am to 8:30 am: $9 per half hour/day
  • Additional hours 4 pm to 5 pm: $18 per hour/day.
• Platypus (15 hours per week): Free
  • Additional hours 8 am to 9 am: $18 per hour/day
  • Additional hours 2 pm to 5 pm: $50 for 3 hours per day.

Administration fee

Administration fee of $50 per child non-refundable.

Voluntary contributions

Voluntary contribution of $250 per child is welcomed to assist with the educational program..

Rating against the National Quality Standard

Early childhood education and care services are assessed and rated against the National Quality Standard (NQS) to:

• promote continuous improvement in the provision of quality education and care
• improve knowledge and access to information about the quality of services to help families make informed decisions about their child’s education and care.

See the Craig Family Centre's rating against the NQS and learn more about the rating and assessment process on the Australian Children’s Education and Care Quality Authority website.   

Note: These details have been provided by the Craig Family Centre. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Craig Family Centre website.

Opening hours

Ashburton Library is closed on public holidays.

Returns chute

Each library branch has a 24 hour returns chute at the entrance to the library.

Contact

To contact us, you can:

• call us on (03) 9278 4666
• Submit a question using our Ask a librarian form.

Bookable spaces at Ashburton Library

On-site collection

Ashburton Library has a range of hard-copy newspapers and magazines.

Newspapers

• The Age
• The Australian
• Australian Chinese Daily
• Australian Financial Review
• Herald Sun
• Saturday Paper

Newspapers are held for one week.

Accessibility features

Parking 

•   accessible parking 
•   accessible drop-off area

Toilets

•   accessible toilets with tactile signage

Other

• area for assistance animals.
• automatic doors
• clear signage
• hearing loop
• ramp access
• quiet areas
• wide passageways