Kinder kids across Victoria are set to enjoy better classrooms, bathrooms, outdoor and play spaces thanks to an investment from the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn visited Yarralea Children's Centre in Alphington to celebrate their grant which will improve the accessibility of the bathrooms, extend the roof cover and redesign indoor learning spaces and offices.
The $8.5 million investment is enabling 42 kindergartens to do both major and minor upgrades - from renovations of learning spaces and outdoor areas, to upgrades for bathrooms, floors and roofs and the installation of shade sails and improved safety measures.
Upper Beaconsfield McBride Road Kindergarten in Cardinia Shire Council will also receive funding to upgrade internal play spaces and improve their external play area, including upgrades to the external façade of the building.
Goodstart Early Learning Point Cook - Shaftsbury Boulevard will upgrade their indoor and outdoor spaces, including replacing the flooring, and upgrades to the roof and lighting. They will also install new fencing and plant trees to provide shade.
The Building Blocks Improvement Program helps kindergartens to build and improve the infrastructure they need to support local families - since 2020 this program has delivered more than $67 million to improve kinders across Victoria.
It's all part of the Labor Government's nation-leading Best Start, Best Life reforms which are saving busy families time and money, supporting parents and carers to return to work and study if they choose, and transforming early childhood education.
For more information on the program visit schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au/early-childhood-grants.
As stated by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
"We're saving busy families time and money, giving every child in Victoria the best start in life - with safe, modern and accessible kindergartens in every corner of the state."
"These upgrades will give our littlest learners the environments they deserve to grow and thrive, while making it easier for parents and carers to return to work and study if they choose."
As stated by Member for Northcote Kat Theophanous
"These grants will help local kinders grow, modernise and create even more welcoming spaces for children. It's what investing in our growing suburbs is all about and I can't wait to visit our upgraded centres once they're complete."
