The Allan Labor Government is providing funding to upgrade and improve early learning spaces with more than 1,248 kindergartens across Victoria to share in $28 million of funding to upgrade facilities and buy equipment.
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today announced that Poowong Uniting Kindergarten would share in the latest round of Building Blocks grants. The grants will help make sure all Victorian children get the best start in life.
Poowong Uniting Kindergarten will receive $74,550 for a makeover to ensure children of all abilities will be able to better access the outdoor area.
Grants towards projects statewide, including up to $750,000 for larger projects and $150,000 for smaller ones, will upgrade buildings and outdoor areas.
An investment of $1.3 million will also deliver eight projects that improve buildings and playgrounds, making them more inclusive for children with disabilities and additional needs.
The Building Blocks Program offers grants to contribute to kindergarten infrastructure and is critical to ensure the success of the roll-out of the Best Start, Best Life reforms across Victoria.
Since the Labor Government launched it in 2020, Building Blocks has invested more than $200 million to plan and build new and improved early childhood services across the state.
Through our nation-leading $14 Billion Best Start, Best Life reforms, the Labor Government is transforming early childhood education to help children thrive, save families money and support parents – especially women – to return to work or study if they choose.
The Victorian Budget 2024/25 delivered a new investment of $128.6 million to continue delivery of Best Start, Best Life, including Free Kinder, Pre-Prep, Three-Year-Old Kindergarten and Early Learning and Childcare Centres.
For more information on the program and successful applicants visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
“We’re delivering unprecedented investment in early childhood services so our children can get the most out of great local kindergartens.”
“These Building Blocks grants ensure hundreds of kindergartens have the facilities and equipment they need to give Victorian children a great start in life.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
“Investing in kinders is investing in our future and it's fantastic to see this local project that will benefit families in Poowong and the surrounding district.
“I’m proud the state government is supporting outdoor spaces for kids to learn in fresh air surrounded by the natural elements."
