Shine Bright kindergarten staff entertain children while parents sandbag Campaspe River

The staff of the Echuca/Campaspe Shine Bright Kindergartens have banded together to support families during this time, taking a break from sandbagging to provide families with a supervision option for younger children at no cost.

Providing this service gave parents a much needed break, and allowed them to focus on sandbagging the town, knowing their children are safe and preoccupied with qualified educators.

"Our staff are amazing," Shine Bright chief executive Suzi Sordan said.

MORE NEWS: Bureau of Meteorology forecasts Murray River at Echuca to stay above major flood level for 10 days

"The past two years have been extremely challenging for all early childhood professionals, with COVID impacting daily activities.

"For them to give up their time, to provide families in flood affected areas respite, and the ability to therefore provide support to other members of the community shows to the extent our staff will go above and beyond."

Kindergarten teacher Melinda Simmons, who was part of the education team providing respite last week, said staff were always there to help when needed.

"The staff of the Campaspe Shine Bright kindergartens are a strong and inclusive group of people who value relationships, community and wellbeing," she said.

OTHER STORIES

"We want to provide the children of our community a safe place whilst their families battle to save homes, some of those who helped did so whilst their own homes were under threat.

"We are very proud to provide this support and we hope to continue to offer support in the coming weeks."

Ms Sordan said she recognised how difficult the floods had made times for Campaspe families.

"We wish to thank the staff of all Shine Bright kindergartens for their ongoing support and dedication through the past few difficult years and especially the past weeks," she said.

"The benefits to families and the community by our dedicated staff have not gone unrecognised, and we wish to acknowledge their hard work."

If you're reading this it's because you're a loyal subscriber to the Bendigo Advertiser. If you want to get more out of your subscription join the discussion on the Bendigo Advertiser's subscriber group on Facebook today.