Wednesday, 31 August 2022

Williamstown electorate kindergarten funding

Ms HORNE (Williamstown—Minister for Ports and Freight, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Gaming and Liquor Regulation, Minister for Local Government, Minister for Suburban Development) (09:36): We all know the importance of early learning and the impact that it has on children’s lives, which is why I rise today to talk about the massive investment that is happening in kindergartens right across the Williamstown electorate. Last week it was great to have the Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep in the other place, Ingrid Stitt, come and announce the investment that will be occurring in two of the fantastic local kinders.

Home Road Kindergarten in Newport is the recipient of approximately $180 000 worth of funding that will completely transform its playground into an accessible, contemporary play area for the children. This builds on the grants they received a couple of years ago that transformed another part of their outdoor play area with fabulous natural-based play equipment. Despite the chilly weather, the mud play was particularly bustling.

Robina Scott three-year-old kinder in Williamstown will also receive a grant for a similar amount to transform their outdoor play area, and what a fantastic kinder this is too. Passionate about play-based learning, it provides that first important era of learning before the kids then transition into four-year-old kinder up the road in Ferguson Street. And let us not forget too that just a couple of months ago the Range Children’s Centre celebrated its upgrade with $300 000 from last year for an inclusive all-new play area as well.