Kool Kidz is now open – hear what local mum Caitlin Campbell has to say!

Ask any current or prospective mum or dad what the most important amenity is, and it’s likely that childcare and schooling will be at the top of their list.

Such was the case for Caitlin Campbell. Caitlin and her partner Craig are proud parents of two children (aged two and three), and recognised early the promise of Merrifield as a place to call home. “The Kool Kidz childcare and kindergarten announcement sealed the deal,” says Caitlin.

It’s a decision they’re glad to have made.

“We chose to build in Merrifield as it has everything you need right in one place,” she continues. “There’s a very caring and wonderful community here where everyone looks out for each other. It’s exactly what you would look for.”

Now that Kool Kidz Merrifield has opened, Caitlin’s two children are regular attendees. Caitlin is impressed by the organisation’s ethos and approach. “When we decided on choosing Kool Kidz Merrifield, it was because of the clear level of care they had in what they do, as well as their facilities,” she says.

And she’s very pleased with how it’s all gone so far. ‘The staff are wonderful and the rooms are beautiful and spacious. It’s an added bonus that it’s in walking distance from home.”

The ultimate test however is how the kids feel about it. “My children look forward to it, whenever they’re going to Kool Kidz at Merrifield,’ she says. ‘They adore their educators and all the fun they get to share with their new friends.”

One thing’s for sure – with the number of new families on the rise in Merrifield, they’ll have plenty of friends to choose from.

“It’s very exciting,’ Caitlin says. “I know why people are making the move here. Everything’s closer, the community is wonderful. I look forward to the upcoming amenities and schools we’re soon to see here in Merrifield.”

MERRIFIELD KIDS AUSKICKING IT AT THE MCG!

Now, thanks to the efforts of AFL Victoria and Merrifield resident’s Auskick co-ordinator Glenn Herring, the kids of Merrifield have taken what they’ve learnt to the MCG as part of Auskick’s Half Time Game Program. The Merrifield Auskick team played on the same ground as their heroes in front of 40,000 people, between Essendon and Geelong, held on Saturday 19 May at the MCG.

Mark Morgan from AFL Victoria shares how it all came about. ‘The Merrifield Auskick Centre is within what is considered an AFL Victoria Development Region. There are a few around the state of Victoria, and they’re allocated a certain number of half-time games based on participation numbers.’

To encourage participation and build the sort of regional pathways that have always been the lifeblood of the sport, expressions of interest are sent from AFL Victoria to the various Auskick centres. ‘Once all the EOIs have been sent back, allocations are divided as evenly as possible between regions to ensure everyone gets the best chance at playing,’ says Mark.

Merrifield’s region is especially fortunate. ‘Our area was allocated the entire game,’ says Glenn. And given the amount of Auskick participants in Victoria far outweighs the number of opportunities available, it’s a real break for the young players of the region. ‘The AFL requested expressions of interest from all centres. We’re very fortunate to have been granted this opportunity.’

‘Our region will have 40 kids participating in the main ‘Rules Game’ of which Merrifield Auskick Centre will be a part of with10 kids’ explains Glenn. ‘The advantage of this will be to keep the participants involved in the program longer. Staying involved in team sports has tangible rewards extending beyond just fitness benefits.’

It also helps establish Merrifield Auskick program as a credible team with a long-term future. ‘We’ve received some amazing support from the Merrifield developers, MAB and GPC and we hope it will prosper for many years to come’, Glenn observes.

‘We’ve grown from 20-30 participants in the recent season, and this growth will continue as Merrifield develops. It’s a great common ground for residents of all cultural backgrounds and for the community to come together on a regular basis.’

‘Just imagine for a moment, being only ten years old and playing at half-time of an AFL game on the Melbourne Cricket Ground. How exciting would that be?’

Community Survey

Are you a Merrifield resident? Have something to say about how it can be made an even better place to live?

In March 2017, we undertook our first Merrifield Community Survey, which was completed by 250 households. The survey provided insights and information to assist in the future planning of community infrastructure and services in Merrifield. The Census Style survey is being undertaken again in June and we look forward to an even greater level of participation.

How does it work?

Surveys will be delivered directly to households in two stages over the 2-3 June and 9-10 June. Field officers will then return to your address the week following your drop off, to collect the survey from you. All information provided by you remains strictly confidential, and is used only to help us better plan for the Merrifield community now and in the future.

Not going to be home?

Just leave your completed survey at your door in the envelope provided or return it via the reply-paid envelope. It’s that easy!

Enter to WIN!

All entries will go into the draw to win a $1,000 Harvey Norman gift voucher. To enter the draw, return your completed entry form to the field officer or drop it off at the Merrifield Sales Centre by 5pm on 22 June – good luck!

To learn more, download our flyer.

Community Noticeboard

Did you know we have our very own Merrifield Community Noticeboard?

Located near The Corner Store, a community noticeboard is a great way for local businesses to promote their products and services, as well as local community groups and programs.

Available for Merrifield residents and/or local businesses operating in Merrifield only, you can register your interest, and apply via community@merrifieldmelbourne.com.au

Please note that any flyers posted on the community noticeboard will need to be printed on A5-sized paper.

Meet Kool Kidz newly appointed chef, David Xerri

Recently the Merrifield community has had the pleasure of seeing a dedicated early learning, childcare and kindergarten open its doors with the arrival of Kool Kidz. This best in class facility not only comes equipped with spacious playrooms and an abundance of books, toys and craft supplies – it also features a dedicated kitchen and its own master chef!

The man behind the apron is David Xerri, who came to Mickleham five years ago after growing up in Craigieburn and saving for a home of his own. ‘I love it here,’ he says of Merrifield. ‘Being able to work in the same neighbourhood that I live in is awesome. I’m excited to meet more locals and get to know the people in the area.’

David’s desire to add his culinary credentials to Kool Kidz arose from a very simple place.

‘I applied for my position because I wanted to become a part of the community and give something to it.’ He’s excited by the centre’s potential to bring the community closer together, through providing a quality space where kids can laugh, play and learn together.

When asked what drew him to cooking, David recounts growing up watching his grandmother prepare meals. ‘I used to watch my grandmother cook. It inspired me to become a chef.’

Now, he’s drawing on all that experience to provide healthy meal options for kids. ‘I’ve been in the food industry for about 25 years. I’ve cooked for all sorts of people and now I’m looking forward to using my expertise to cook for children.’

David is passionate about the power of food as a way to form bonds. ‘My favourite thing is seeing the smiles and satisfaction on people’s faces. Food brings people together.’ And he’s thrilled by the future unfolding in Merrifield.

‘It’s exciting, how it’s all come together. I can’t wait to see how this city will turn out.’

Click here to learn more about Kool Kidz Merrifield.

Check out the brand new facility below.