Bush Kinder program expands in Glen Waverley to get more children outdoors

Victoria’s popular Bush Kinder programs are expanding, with Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn and Member for Glen Waverley John Mullahy visiting Brentwood Preschool last Wednesday to learn about its planned Bush Kinder program and Bilingual Kindergarten program. 

Nature and outdoor play have been proven to have a significant positive impact on a child’s learning and development, as well as their physical and mental health and wellbeing. Research shows regular learning through outdoor play helps young children develop across a whole range of areas, including physical and cognitive development. 

Brentwood Preschool received a $6,000 grant to help buy necessary equipment for its bush kinder program, which enables children to get outside, play with natural materials, and learn through activities such as climbing trees and watching wildlife. 

Brentwood Preschool is one of the 150 bush kinders which received a grant in 2024. Of the 150 kinders receiving one-off grants, 100 are in metropolitan Melbourne. Overall these programs are being established in 52 local government areas, including 25 regional locations.

Applications for the 2025 round of an additional 150 bush kinder grants will open in the second half of 2024. 

A list of kindergartens receiving a bush kinder grant in 2024 can be found at vic.gov.au/bush-kinder-grants-program