Tuesday, 27 August 2024

Ministers statements: kindergarten funding

Lizzie BLANDTHORN (Western Metropolitan – Minister for Children, Minister for Disability) (12:38): I rise to inform the house about the recipients from the latest round of Building Blocks capacity and planning stream grants, which I had the pleasure of announcing last week. Since Building Blocks launched in 2020 the Labor government has announced over 220 capacity and planning grants valued at almost $200 million. This recent round of recipients will provide $24.1 million in buildings and expanded kinders and support planning for future projects across the state. Six services across Victoria will share in over $22.8 million to create 608 new kinder places, and the capacity stream will increase capacity across Victoria when and where it is needed, including in projects like Mernda Hills early learning centre, which will create 237 additional kinder places.

This recent announcement also includes $1.3 million for planning kinder infrastructure projects in 10 services across the state, and the planning stream supports the roll-out of three-year-old kinder across Victoria by providing grants for planning and preconstruction work. Recently I had the opportunity to visit one of our planning stream recipients at Glenroy West Kindergarten alongside the member for Broadmeadows in the other place. During this visit I was able to hear about how they are planning to use their grant to benefit the wider community.

I am proud to stand and talk about these reforms – reforms we have introduced because this side of the house cares about creating the best future for children in Victoria. These reforms are essential in providing the best start for our youngest Victorians now and into the future. We are transforming early learning in this state by introducing free kinder, pre-prep, three-year-old kinder and funding infrastructure, including establishing 50 government owned and operated early learning centres to provide these nation-leading reforms.

The Building Blocks capacity and planning streams are open all year round, and I encourage all eligible organisations to apply and join us in creating positive change for future generations. I look forward to seeing how these grants are utilised to benefit and support children in their local communities for years to come as Victoria’s early education system continues to grow bigger and better.