SAVE
WINDSOR COMMUNITY
CHILDREN’S CENTRE
Update following Stonnington Council Meeting
On 17 November 2025, Stonnington Council voted unanimously to submit a formal written offer to Swinburne University to purchase the land WCCC resides on at 131–133 Union Street, Windsor.
Stonnington Council allocated $4.1 million to the offer, alongside Federal MP Josh Burns’ $4.3 million election commitment.
Swinburne University will now need to consider the $8.4 million funding package.
The Victorian Government has confirmed that it stands ready to accept Swinburne’s request to transact the sale of the public land below the Valuer-General Victoria’s estimate.
It is our hope that Swinburne University accepts the offer which would bring stability back to a community that has worked tirelessly to save the centre and endured two years of uncertainty.
Swinburne University has a deep history at the site. Swinburne built the facility, supported early childhood training and education, and contributed significantly to the sector over many years. Accepting this offer allows Swinburne to carry that legacy forward, rather than see it come to an abrupt end.
What happens next rests with Swinburne University Council.
What you can do: You can write to Swinburne and encourage them to accept the offer at councilsecretariat@swinburne.edu.au.
The federal government has attacked a major Melbourne university as a row over a community kindergarten goes all the way to the frontbench.
“Swinburne University are choosing to kick young children out of their early education centre, instead of continuing good faith negotiations between the Commonwealth and the City of Stonnington.”
“It’s devastating to see a community service forced close like this. Parents feel powerless to protect our kids’ future.”
— Andrea Baroncelli - Parent
“Without WCCC, I simply won’t be able to go to work. There aren’t enough local places to absorb 80 families overnight.”
— Romi Goldschlager - Parent
“Our educators and staff show up every day with professionalism and care. They deserve the same level of commitment from Swinburne who has the power to decide our future. This eviction is heartless. ”
— Sam Vale - Director
“Educators are staring down unemployment right before the holidays. We’ve dedicated ourselves to these children and this community. It’s an incredibly stressful and heartbreaking position to be in.”
— Annie Nguyen - Kindergarten teacher
“Early childhood education is built on relationships. Taking children away from the educators they love and rely on is incredibly damaging.”
— Phillip Smith - Parent
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The Age
Melbourne kinder in jeopardy after state rejects plea to buy site
22 February, 2025
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The Age
Toddlers at the centre of fight for Prahran
15 January, 2025
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Channel 7
Political Pushback
15 January, 2025
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![Herald Sun]()
Herald Sun
Liberal, Greens and Federal Labor unite to save Melbourne kinder.
15 January, 2025
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The Guardian
Backlash grows over Swinburne’s move to evict kindergarten from land donated by state
15 January, 2025
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Stonnington City Council
Council Pushes to Save Windsor Community Children’s Centre
15 January, 2025
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The Sector
City of Stonnington joins WCCC in closure fight
16 January, 2025
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The Age Letters
Inner-city childcare
17 January, 2025
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The Guardian
Federal Labor intervention to save Victorian childcare centre
2 April, 2025
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The Sydney Morning Herald
Lifeline for kindergarten facing axe
2 April, 2025
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Mirage News
Labor pledges funds for Windsor kids’ center
3 April, 2025
Windsor Community Children’s Centre is being rezoned and sold off by the Victorian Government and Swinburne University. It is one of the few remaining not-for-profit centres in the City of Stonnington.
The proposed sale of the land threatens the future of this vital not-for-profit community-based cooperative facility, which has served generations of Windsor families with dedication and excellence.
Get in touch with us.
WCCC needs your support now more than ever. Get in touch with the Save WCCC Community Group, we’d love to hear from you.