Thursday 27 July 2023
BIGGER, BETTER KINDERS FOR OUR YOUNGEST VICTORIANS
Victoria’s littlest learners are getting improved and expanded kinders to learn and thrive in, thanks to the Andrews Labor Government’s Building Blocks Capacity Grant program delivered in partnership with local councils.
Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced a $6 million investment under the Building Blocks program for a new kindergarten project in the Mildura region.
Early Years Integrated Centre – Red Cliffs (interim name) will receive $6 million to build an integrated children’s centre, which includes four kindergarten rooms, Maternal Child Health consultation rooms, Toy Library facilities, a community multi-use space, breastfeeding room and a large entry foyer, all under the one roof.
The new centre in Red Cliffs will provide up to 132 kindergarten places for three- and four-year-olds – providing greater convenience to local families.
Built in partnership with Mildura Rural City Council this facility will provide space for maternal and child health services, playgroups and parenting programs as well as allied health services and wellbeing programs – ensuring families can access the services they need, close to home.
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.
As part of the Victorian Budget 2023/24, the Labor Government is continuing to deliver the kindergarten infrastructure Victoria needs by investing an additional $1.2 billion for new kinders at or near government and low-fee non-government schools, alongside new and expanded kinders on local government sites.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Ingrid Stitt
“We’re delivering unprecedented investment in early childhood services so Victorian children can get the most out of great local kindergartens and get the best start to life.”
Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes
“Our investment in amazing kinder facilities in Red Cliffs is giving local kids opportunities to learn and make friendships close to home – setting our early learners up to reach their full potential.”
“More funding for early childhood infrastructure projects means that service providers across the state will have more flexibility to deliver local kindergarten programs that meet the needs of our growing communities.”
