Victoria opens Children’s Week Grants for 2023

Children’s Week is always an important part of the Victorian early childhood education and care (ECEC) calendar, and in 2023, it promises to be better than ever, offering the state’s smallest learners opportunities to immerse themselves in celebration and education. 

“Children’s Week is a great opportunity to celebrate our children’s achievements and highlight every child’s right to play, be creative and be themselves,” said Victorian Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep Ingrid Stitt.

The national Children’s Week campaign celebrates the right of children to enjoy childhood. It showcases their achievements while providing educational experiences for them and their families. 

More than 26,500 children and families took part in Children’s Week activities last year, with the Victorian Government supporting more than 125 Children’s Week events through grant funding. 

Last week, Ms Stitt opened grant applications for Victorian councils and not-for-profit organisations to host free community events in celebration of children, childhood and learning through play during Children’s Week.

Eligible organisations are invited to apply for grants of up to $1,000 to host events and activities for children and families during Children’s Week, which this year runs from 21 to 29 October. 

The grants support free activities including cooking sessions, art exhibitions, outdoor play, dance workshops, musical performances, storytelling and picnics. This year’s theme is Children have the right to relax, play and to take part in activities they enjoy from Article 27 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. 

Applications for Children’s Week grants close on 16 July 2023. To apply please visit the website here. 

“These grants will help councils and local not-for-profit organisations host exciting activities and events that celebrate children while connecting Victorian families to their local community,” said Ms Stitt.  

“Help us celebrate the achievements of young Victorians by hosting a Children’s Week event – it’s a great way to engage local families and highlight the terrific work of the professionals and organisations that support them.”