The new childcare centre in Steel Park, Marrickville South, incorporates multiple environmentally-sound features, including the timber frames and solar water heating.
Quality LED lighting, natural ventilation, high efficiency air-conditioning and a small solar photovoltaic (PV) array will generate electric power – all of which mean meeting an energy benchmark 25 per cent below most of Inner West Council’s other childcare centres.
The council consulted broadly with the local Aboriginal community and families to devise plans; ‘Yirran’ means ‘many’ and ‘Gumal’ means ‘forms of friendships’.
“This new centre will address the lack of places in the council’s affordable childcare operations, which are much in demand, especially for families with infants up to two,” Cr Sam Iskandar said.
Eco-friendly childcare centre opens its doors in Steel Park
WITH its building inspired by Cooks River forests, Yirran Gumal Early Learning Centre will open its doors in late October with a limited intake of 20 children before extending capacity to 60 over the next 12 months.