Victorian government invests in early planning for new and expanded kindergartens

Two service providers will receive funding in the latest round of Building Blocks Planning Grants, with support targeting regional Victoria as demand for kindergarten places continues to grow.

The Allan Labor Government has announced over $250,000 in Building Blocks Planning Grants to support two early childhood providers in the initial stages of building or expanding kindergarten services in key Victorian regions.

Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said the funding would enable service providers to respond to community needs and prepare for growing demand through feasibility studies, planning, and site assessments.

“Today, we’re announcing further investment in our great Victorian kindergartens – service providers know which projects their communities need best so we’re giving them the tools to plan the job,” Minister Blandthorn said.

Uniting (Victoria and Tasmania) will receive funding to plan the expansion of its kindergarten in Maffra, eastern Victoria. The project involves designing a new room that would allow the service to accommodate more children daily.

The City of Greater Bendigo will undertake a feasibility study across five existing kindergarten sites, located in Strathdale, Kennington, Eaglehawk, Flora Hill and Kangaroo Flat. The study aims to assess current capacity and future need, ensuring the regional city is equipped to meet long-term population growth and participation in kindergarten programs.

Building Blocks Planning Grants are part of the Labor Government’s broader commitment to support the rollout of 15 hours of Three-Year-Old Kindergarten by 2029 and up to 30 hours of Pre-Prep by 2036. Grants can fund pre-construction work such as architectural design, geo-technical investigations, costings and sustainability assessments.

“With Free Kinder at 97 per cent of kindergartens saving families up to $2,600 per child, we’re making early education more accessible for families – and our Building Blocks Planning Grants are all about ensuring the sector is well placed to adapt to the growing needs of locals,” Minister Blandthorn said.

The $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms underpin the Government’s long-term strategy to transform early childhood education, support workforce participation, and ensure every child can thrive.

Read the full media release here.