- Published:
- Monday, 22 July 2024
The Allan Labor Government is making it easier than ever for our littlest Victorians to learn close to home – delivering four projects to build or expand early learning centres across the state, creating up to 144 new kinder places.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn and Member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson visited Glen Education Edithvale Kindergarten, to announce the new round of Building Blocks Capacity Grants.
The kinder will receive more than $400,000 to enclose its veranda and expand its indoor space increasing capacity by up to 11 new kindergarten places.
These grants support the early learning sector to build new facilities or upgrade and expand existing infrastructure to create additional kindergarten places for 3- and 4-year-olds across Victoria.
In this round of grants, Kew’s JJ McMahon Memorial Kindergarten will receive $1.7 million to renew and expand its original, 1961 building creating a modern, new kindergarten and creating up to 14 new kinder places.
Mildura’s Henderson College will receive $4.49 million to build a new Integrated Children’s Centre on its school site that will cater to its multicultural community and offer up to 119 new kinder places.
The Northern Grampians Shire Council has also received a Building Blocks Planning grant of $148,950 to plan for additional kindergarten capacity in St Arnaud.
Since Building Blocks was launched in 2020, the Labor Government has invested more than $235 million in planning, building and upgrading early childhood services across the state.
The Labor Government’s nation-leading $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms are transforming early childhood education to help children thrive, save families money and support parents to return to work or study.
For more information, go to schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/building-blocks-grants-capacity-building
Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
“We are reforming early learning – making it bigger, better and fairer – to give all Victorian children the best start in life.”
“We’re delivering unprecedented investment in early childhood services across Victoria to make sure our kids and their families can access the best kindergarten and childcare services.”
Quote attributable to Member for Mordialloc Tim Richardson
“These grants mean more kindergarten places and more modern facilities for local families – setting our youngest Victorians up with academic and social benefits that will last a lifetime.”