The Allan Labor Government is equipping new state-delivered kindergartens opening in 2025 with furniture, fixtures and equipment, making sure that kindergartens have the modern facilities they need.
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh today announced that two kindergartens in East Gippsland would be included among 27 new kinders statewide to benefit from up to $6.4 million.
Funds will be provided to purchase furniture such as desks and chairs, fixtures like blinds and lamps and equipment such as stoves, dishwashers, play and IT equipment, and medical items.
Swifts Creek P-12 Kindergarten at Flagstaff Campus, run by Uniting Vic/Tas, will receive $100,000 for its one-room kinder, set to deliver 33 places for local children in the new year.
Lakes Entrance Primary School Kindergarten, run by Gippsland Lakes Complete Health, will receive $200,000 for its two-room building, providing opportunities for early learning for another 66 local children.
The Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment Funding Policy is part of the Labor Government’s nation-leading work helping kindergartens deliver high-quality early learning facilities right across Victoria.
This funding, delivered on top of our Best Start, Best Life reforms, will support the fit-out of kinders on school sites and on third-party sites.
The Labor Government is investing to build and expand hundreds of kindergartens across the state, supporting the delivery of 15 hours of three-year-old kindergarten each week by 2029 and up to 30 hours of pre-prep each week by 2036.
The 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.
To find out more about the funding including guidelines, visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/early-childhood-grants.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
“Young children have so much to gain and learn from the opportunities provided through kindergarten – we’re opening new kinders across the state and making sure they have the equipment they need from day one.”
“Every year we’re delivering more kinder places in modern facilities, and saving families up to $2,500 per year, to make sure every child in Victoria gets the best start in life.”
Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh
“Investing in the next generation is good for kids, good for families, good for the community, and good for the economy.”
Quote attributable to Uniting Vic/Tas Senior Manager Kindergarten Kristin Kenwell
“We’re looking forward to the opening of the new Swifts Creek Uniting Kindergarten next year and this funding will help us make sure we’re ready for day one.”
