05 March 2025
A special multicultural pre-school program in Balga is proving that language doesn’t have to be a barrier to an education.
More than 70 different languages have been spoken within the walls of the Warriapendi Child and Parent Centre.
Warriapendi Primary School provides support through a special multicultural pre-school program.
The program is a partnership between Warriapendi Primary School and not-for-profit service provider, MercyCare. For more than 10 years, it has helped families, especially those new to Australia, to prepare their children for school.
Since opening in 2014, more than 106,000 people have visited the centre, with up to 250 families attending every week.
Centre Coordinator, Kirsty Maroney, said the program supports the diverse needs of the community by helping kids develop social skills, confidence, and independence through play-based learning.
“Many of our parents come from diverse backgrounds, have limited English and have no family here in Perth to help them look after their children,” Ms Maroney said.
“So, our centre is like a welcoming community village.”
The centre has become a key place for family support. It offers services such as speech therapy, parenting programs and child health services. Families struggling with cost of living pressures can also get help with nappies, food, clothing, and finance management workshops.
Originally designed for local families, the program now attracts people from as far as Alkimos, in the northern suburbs, highlighting a wider need for such a service.
Ms Maroney, a former foster parent, said her own experiences highlight the importance of early support.
“There is no parenting handbook, but with help of our in-house professionals and providing access to practical support, our families can and do thrive,” she said.
The centre offers vital support, making sure children get the best start while helping parents handle the challenges of raising a family in a new country.
“Our success in supporting so many people over the past 10 years shows just how vital centres like this are,” Ms Maroney said.
For more information about Warriapendi Child and Parent Centre, visit its website1.
For more information about MercyCare, visit its website2.