Thursday 3 April 2025

Kinder kids across Northern Victoria are set to enjoy better classrooms, bathrooms, outdoor and play spaces thanks to an investment from the Allan Labor Government.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced that five kindergartens in Northern Victoria will receive grants under the Labor Government’s Building Blocks Improvement Grants Program, enabling them to build and improve the infrastructure they need to support local families.

• Pyramid Hill Preschool will receive $149,981 to replace outdated play equipment with new equipment that meets current safety standards, as well as the repainting the building and other minor works.

• Shine Bright Lockington Kindergarten will receive $148,189 for the installation of outdoor blinds, shading over the sandpit and for the completion of other minor works.

• Shine Bright Swan Hill South Kindergarten will receive $142,786 for the completion of minor works to the building’s exterior and play area, including the installation of new concrete bike paths with spray seal coating.

• Shine Bright Woorinen South Kindergarten will receive $79,665 for upgrades to the outdoor play space including the installation of a new digging patch, sandpit and mud kitchen.

• Jamieson Court Children’s Centre in Wodonga will receive $51,700 to revitalise two underutilised areas. The project will replace these shade sails with fixed-roofing to maximise the exceedingly embedded indoor/outdoor play-based learning program this service delivers and to turn an under-used space into a functional meeting place.

The $8.5 million investment is enabling 42 kindergartens across the state to do both major and minor upgrades – from renovations of learning spaces and outdoor areas, to upgrades for bathrooms, floors and roofs and the installation of shade sails and improved safety measures. Since 2020 this program has delivered more than $67 million to improve kinders across Victoria.

It’s all part of the Labor Government’s nation-leading Best Start, Best Life reforms which are saving busy families time and money, supporting parents and carers to return to work and study if they choose, and transforming early childhood education.

For more information on the program visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/early-childhood-grants.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn

“We’re saving busy families time and money, giving every child in Victoria the best start in life – with safe, modern and accessible kindergartens in every corner of the state.”

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria

“These upgrades will give our littlest learners the environment they deserve to grow and thrive, while making it easier for parents and carers to return to work and study if they choose.”