Tuesday, 13 August 2024

Ministers statements: kindergarten funding

Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability) (12:57): I rise to update the house on the Allan Labor government’s investments into kinder – on this occasion, bush kinder programs across Victoria. Over the course of four years, the Victorian government is investing $3.6 million to enable 150 kindergartens to establish or enhance their bush kinder programs each year. I am proud to say I recently opened round 2 of the bush kinder program, which provides $6000 to support young children to learn and explore in a natural space.

I also recently had the opportunity to visit one of the previous bush kinder grant recipients at Bethal Primary School Kindergarten alongside the member for Greenvale from the other place. It was wonderful to have a chance to discuss the positive impact that these grants are having on our kinders and children, because these bush kinder programs not only help children connect with nature but also improve children’s overall wellbeing, physical development, fine and gross motor skills, coordination, balance, eyesight and physical endurance.

This is just one small part of the Victorian government’s nation-leading education reforms, because on this side of the chamber we believe in providing well-rounded and quality early education, and it is why the Allan Labor government is investing $14 billion into the Best Start, Best Life reforms, which will transform early learning education across the state by providing free kinder, pre-prep, three-year-old kinder and increased infrastructure. I am proud to support these reforms because early learning is fundamental, and that is why we will continue to invest in the sector to make early education bigger and better for all Victorians.

I would like to remind everyone that applications for this round of bush kinder grants close on 4 September and encourage all eligible organisations, including local government kinders, to apply for this wonderful opportunity. I look forward to seeing how the recipients of this grants round will use their funding to develop new and unique outdoor learning experiences for our littlest learners.