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.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney today announced the recipients of the latest round of Building Blocks grants in Western Victoria. These grants will help make sure all Victorian children get the best possible start in life.
Birregurra Preschool will receive over $720,000 to construct new staff office space, storage and student lockers as well as additional toilets, teaching space and a staff meeting/kitchen area.
Torquay Christian Fellowship Care and Williams House Kindergarten in Belmont will each receive $150,000 for infrastructure improvements. Torquay Christian Fellowship Care plans to extend and upgrade kitchen facilities, while Williams House Kindergarten will create a safe, inclusive area for children of all abilities to explore, play and learn in.
Meanwhile, Torquay YMCA ELC will benefit from over $34,300 for the installation of three new shade sails, providing a flexible outdoor space year-round.
Equipment grants to upgrade audiovisual and IT equipment will benefit 26 kindergartens and Early Learning Centres. These include Apollo Bay, Anglesea, Winifred Nance, Wydinia, Colac East, Lorne, Torquay, Helen M Kininmonth, Greenville, Grovedale, St Paul’s Lutheran Geelong, St Luke’s Uniting Highton and Poa Banyul Kindergartens, Jan Juc Preschool, Goodstart early Learning Torquay, Kurrambee Myaring Community Centre, Torquay YMCA Early Learning Centre, Armstrong Creek East Children’s Centre, City Learning & Care Belmont, Goodstart Early Learning Grovedale, Grovedale Child and Family Centre, Bellevue Preschool, Highton Preschool, Moriac Preschool Centre and Goodstart Early Learning Waurn Ponds.
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 Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“These grants are a fantastic boost for families in Western Victoria, providing them with infrastructure and equipment so that our youngest learners have access to the best possible start in life, helping them to thrive and reach their full potential.”
“Every child deserves a secure and welcoming place to learn, which is why the Allan Labor Government is committed to continuous investment in early learning centres and kindergartens.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
“These Building Blocks grants ensure hundreds of kindergartens have the facilities and equipment they need to give Victorian children a great start in life.”
“We’re delivering unprecedented investment in early childhood services so our children can get the most out of great local kindergartens.”
