The Andrews Labor Government is partnering with a council in Melbourne’s north to deliver a multi-million-dollar pipeline of early childhood infrastructure projects, in support of Victoria’s nation-leading kindergarten reforms.
Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Ingrid Stitt today announced a Building Blocks Partnership with Moreland City Council, with the Labor Government contributing up to $10.7 million towards 11 new and expanded kindergartens across the municipality.
The first stage will deliver more than 300 funded kindergarten places to be operational by 2025, while the second stage would see a further kindergarten project delivered from 2026.
These projects will provide up to 329 extra funded kindergarten places across Moreland City Council by 2029.
All early childhood education and care providers that deliver a funded kindergarten program in Victoria will be eligible to receive Free Kinder funding from 2023 - saving families up to $2,500 per child, every year.
Free kinder funding will be available in both standalone kindergarten and long day care settings for children enrolled in a funded kindergarten program.
A 15-hour per week program will be available to four-year-old children, and a 5-to-15-hour program will be available to three-year-old children every week.
The Labor Government is investing $9 billion over the next decade to transition Four-Year-Old Kindergarten to Pre-Prep with 30 hours of play-based learning by 2032 and build 50 government-operated childcare centres, to ensure children thrive and women are supported to return to work.
Free kinder is part of the Labor Government’s ongoing reform to early years education in Victoria, to support every child to get the best start for the best life.
For more information about the partnership or to apply for the new Building Blocks Capacity grant round, which is now open, visit
Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Ingrid Stitt
“This great partnership means more kinder places in the Moreland City Council area, and greater certainty for future kindergarten upgrades."
“We’re investing to support the roll-out of our landmark Three- and Four-Year-Old Kinder reforms and making sure that every Victorian child has the best start to their education.”
Quote attributable to Member for Pascoe Vale Lizzie Blandthorn
“This is such an exciting time for families and the young learners in Pascoe Vale who will be able to attend free kindergartenfor the first time.”
Quote attributable to Moreland City Council Mayor Mark Riley
“We want all Moreland children to get the best start in their development and education and have every opportunity to learn and play with their peers.”
Reviewed 22 August 2022