- Published:
- Wednesday 30 April 2025
More Victorian families will soon have access to affordable, high-quality childcare, with the Allan Labor Government set to open 14 new Early Learning Victoria centres in 2026.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn today visited the future site of Early Learning Victoria Noble Park to mark the start of construction – and announce that builders have been appointed for all 14 new centres.
The centres, known by interim names, are:
- Early Learning Victoria Clunes
- Early Learning Victoria Frankston
- Early Learning Victoria Hallam
- Early Learning Victoria Mickleham South
- Early Learning Victoria Noble Park
- Early Learning Victoria Numurkah
- Early Learning Victoria Portland South
- Early Learning Victoria Shepparton
- Early Learning Victoria Kings Park
- Early Learning Victoria Teesdale
- Early Learning Victoria Toolern Waters
- Early Learning Victoria Wedderburn
- Early Learning Victoria Werribee
- Early Learning Victoria Wollert
These centres will charge fees below local market rates, making childcare more affordable for families – on top of savings from the Labor Government’s Free Kinder program, which is saving families up to $2,600 a year for three and four-year-old kinder.
Each centre will be located on or near a local school, easing the double drop-off and making the transition from kinder to school simpler for children and families.
With these additions, a total of 18 government-owned and operated Early Learning Victoria centres will be open by 2026 – providing more than 1,800 licensed places for children across the state.
It’s all part of the Labor Government’s historic Best Start, Best Life reforms – delivering better early learning, saving families money, and helping more parents return to work or study if they choose.
The first four centres are already welcoming local children in Fawkner, Sunshine, Murtoa and Eaglehawk North.
Enrolment for kinder in 2026 is now open. To learn more about Early Learning Victoria and to tour an existing centre, visit earlylearning.vic.gov.au/enrol.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
“Our nation-leading Best Start, Best Life reforms are delivering a better life for our littlest Victorians with new childcare centres close to home offering kinder as well – I encourage parents to enrol their kids for next year now.”
“We heard where Victorians needed childcare the most, and that’s exactly where we’re delivering our 14 newest centres – with market-beating fees on top of up to $2,600 in Free Kinder savings, per year, per child.”
Quote attributable to Member for Mulgrave Eden Foster
“Every child deserves a chance to thrive – these new childcare centres help ensure families get the benefits of childcare and kinder right here in the electorate of Mulgrave.”