OUR SERVICES
Early Years
Supporting Children, Families and Community
Ph: 03 8822 0737 | email: eyminfo@ev.org.au
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Doncaster Gardens Preschool
Tucked safely away from the main road, Doncaster Gardens Preschool provides an enriching and supportive learning environment where children and families forge friendships and develop a genuine sense of belonging. Our kindergarten is inclusive, a safe and nurturing space where each child is valued for their individuality and diversity is celebrated.
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Kallista Kindergarten
Nestled amongst the tranquil mountain ranges, Kallista Kindergarten provides a unique beginning for life-long learning through a program with a strong focus on nature, music, and the value of learning through relationships. Children are celebrated and encouraged to learn in an environment that fosters their self-esteem and natural curiosity.
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The Patch Kindergarten
Surrounded by the exquisite serenity of the Dandenong Ranges, The Patch Kindergarten and The Patch School work collaboratively to provide continuity of learning for children and their families. Holding high expectations of children, as capable and competent individuals, The Patch affords children rich opportunities for explorative learning with a strong focus on nature education.
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Who we are & what we do

EV EYM is a recently established not-for-profit community-based organisation that operates with the needs of children and families as its highest priority.
EV Strengthening Communities has worked in the communities of Maroondah, Whitehorse, and Yarra Ranges for over 45 years and more recently in the cities of Banyule, Darebin, Knox, Manningham, Murrindindi, Nillumbik, Shires of Mitchell and Whittlesea. EV contributes to the community through community transport, volunteering, and local jobs support.

With the vision of supporting local communities, EV now extends its services to the Early Childhood Sector as an Early Years Manager by sharing its vast experience and knowledge working with local communities over four decades. The CEO’s over twenty years’ senior executive experience in the Early Years, Child and Family sectors coupled with the GM’s prior experience managing an EYM of 21 kindergartens is an added advantage to the organisation

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Our Team
We are small, professional, and experienced team dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for children, families and community.

OUR TEAM

  • Vik Naidu

    General Manager

    Vik has over 25 years’ experience in Senior Executive and Financial Management roles across a wide range of sectors including Early Years, Community Services, and multi-national organisations. 

    An accomplished Business and Finance professional, he has demonstrated the ability to lead diverse teams of professionals in highly competitive and not for profit sectors. With sound technical and business qualifications and an impressive track record in leading organisations, Vik successfully restructured and expanded a medium-sized not for profit Early Years Management organisation in the Eastern Suburbs. 

     Vik will use his Early Years sector knowledge and expertise in developing EV Early Years Manager to deliver on the outcomes for children and families. 

  • Lisa Rich

    Administration and PAG Liaison Officer

    Lisa is very passionate about design and marketing and started her career as a marketing professional after graduating with a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) and spent over 10 years in the corporate world specialising in the retail, convenience and entertainment sectors. After a brief hiatus, she re-entered the workforce and embarked on a career in the Early Years sector managing the Administration, Marketing and Parent Advisory Group portfolios at an Early Years Manager. 

    Lisa’s prior experience as President of a kindergarten Parent Advisory Group is invaluable to the organisation when supporting parents and families.  

  • Julie Beattie

    Enrolments Officer

    Julie started her career in Workers' Compensation and later embarked on a career in Early Childhood, after starting a family. With over 10 years' experience as an Educator at various kindergartens supporting the Teachers and managing administration and enrolments, Julie has a deep understanding and appreciation of the Early Years Sector. Her previous role as an Administrator at a Paediatrics Occupational Therapy Clinic is an added benefit to her current role.  

  • Rachel Connolly

    Early Years Advisor

    Rachel has over 25+ years’ experience in the Early Childhood and Education sector, having worked as a highly regarded Kindergarten and Primary school teacher from Williamstown in the west to Avonsleigh in the eastern hills. 

    At the heart of her teaching practices is the integral belief that relationships between children, families, community and education professionals ensure a continuous love of learning and a wellbeing mindset for children as they grow. 

    With a Bachelor and Masters qualification in Education, Rachel has guided, mentored and shared her pedagogical knowledge and passion with many preservice teachers on their journey through Early Childhood qualifications. As the Early Years Advisor, she is committed to supporting the professionals at the kindergartens to continue to provide a high level of care, passion and commitment to Early Childhood education. 

  • Melanie Pont

    Accounts and Payroll Officer

    Melanie is a seasoned accounting professional with over 18 years of experience in financial management and analysis. Holding a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from Swinburne University and a CPA qualification, Melanie began her career in the chemical industry as a graduate accountant. 

    Throughout her career, Melanie has held many senior finance leadership roles in corporate and manufacturing business settings, across Australia and New Zealand.  She has honed her skills in various areas of accounting including management reporting, financial reporting, process improvement, and budgeting. She has a proven track record of delivering accurate and timely financial information while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. 

    Melanie looks forward to bringing her prior knowledge and experience as a kindergarten treasurer to EV Early Years Manager working closely with the kindergartens under its management. 

Child Safe Statement
EV EYM believe all children have the right to be and feel safe in environments that respect cultural safety and maintain a culture in which children, their histories, and identities are valued, respected and cared for. Protecting children from the risks of abuse is embedded in everyday thinking and practice.

In the spirit of reconciliation, EV acknowledges the Wurundjeri people as the traditional owners of the land and pays respect to its elders past and present.

We are an inclusive organisation supporting Culturally and Linguistically diverse people, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual Communities.

Privacy Policy | Confidentiality Policy | 2023 EV

EV is funded by the State and Federal governments of Australia. The material contained herein
does not necessarily represent the view or policies of either the State or Federal governments.

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