$900,000 in grants to launch and improve 150 bush kinder programs

One-off grants will help 88 kindergartens establish nature programs and another 62 improve existing outdoor learning opportunities.

Victorian kindergartens are sharing in $900,000 in bush kinder grants, supporting 150 services to establish or expand regular learning experiences in natural environments.

Each successful service will receive $6,000. Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn announced the recipients on 14 October during a visit to Raleigh Street Community Children’s Centre in Thornbury, which will use its grant to establish a new bush kinder program.

“Bush Kinder builds confidence, curiosity and a life-long love of the outdoors – and we’re proud to help 150 more kinders get outside,” Ms Blandthorn said.

Funding supports new and existing programs

Of the successful services, 88 will establish a bush kinder program and 62 will enhance an existing nature program. This grant round brings the government’s investment in bush kinder to $3.6 million, supporting 600 grants over four years.

Bush kinders operate in parks, bushland, beaches and other suitable natural spaces. Where an appropriate off-site location is unavailable, funding can support above-ground improvements to biodiversity within a service’s outdoor environment.

The Department of Education has published the 2026 recipient list, identifying successful services and their local government areas. Applications for this round closed on 5 August.

Grants cover equipment and establishment support

The funding can help services purchase weatherproof clothing, safety equipment, portable shelter and tools for investigating natural environments. Eligible on-site purchases also include plants, seeds and above-ground garden beds.

At least 75 per cent of each grant must be spent on equipment or items, with up to 25 per cent available for eligible services or teaching-staff time release. This can include professional learning and planning needed to establish or enhance a bush kinder program.

Ongoing operating costs remain the service’s responsibility, and transport expenses cannot be covered by the grant. These conditions make budgeting for continued delivery an important part of program preparation.

Planning for safe and inclusive outdoor learning

Payments are scheduled for November 2026, with funded programs expected to operate during Term 2, 2027. Services must continue meeting the National Law and Regulations and Victoria’s Child Safe Standards.

The department’s bush kinder guidance identifies family consultation, site selection, policy review, risk assessment and educational planning as key preparation tasks. Grant guidelines also require services to consider participation by children with disability or developmental delay.

For educators, the planning extends to how natural environments connect with the existing curriculum and children’s interests. Choosing an accessible location and establishing arrangements with families, landowners and relevant authorities can help make outdoor learning a regular part of the kindergarten program.