Labor will open six new government-owned and operated Early Learning Victoria centres in 2028.

Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes announced that a centre will open in Lockington.

The centre will have natural outdoor play spaces and will provide 57 places for local children.

It will offer Free Kinder and long day care and will have space for maternal and child health consultations, as well as community rooms for playgroups and meetings.

Labor is delivering 50 government owned and operated Early Learning Victoria centres in the places that need them most.

By 2028 we’ll have opened 30 of these centres, helping thousands of families access early education.

As of this year, 18 centres are open, with more than 1,800 places for children. Earlier this year, we opened Early Learning Victoria Numurkah providing 106 places, and Early Learning Victoria Shepparton providing 130 places.

In 2027, we’re opening Early Learning Victoria Cohuna (interim name) which will provide 102 places for local families.

Applications for 2027 enrolments are now open: https://www.earlylearning.vic.gov.au/cohuna

Labor introduced Free Kinder, Labor is expanding it – and only Labor will continue it.

The Liberals and Nationals cut $1 billion from education when they were last in office – they even cut free fruit Fridays.

For more information, visit https://www.earlylearning.vic.gov.au/early-learning-victoria

Quote attributable to Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes

“These new centres give families the support they need close to home, with long day care and kinder under one roof.”

“Families can count on quality programs backed by Free Kinder at every centre – saving families up to $2,700 per child.”

“Local families have been asking for more childcare places and Labor is delivering – saving parents time, cutting costs and giving children the best start.”