The Allan Labor Government is giving more children and families access to high-quality toys for fun and creative play, with new funding to expand the toy library network and improve current services.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn has announced $445,000 in funding for the first round of Toy Library Grants, including two grants of $40,000 to deliver six new toy libraries across the state.
Toy Libraries Australia will establish four new toy wells and two new toy libraries at local primary schools in Truganina, Deer Park, and the City of Hume. The new services will provide free toy-lending services for children and families experiencing hardship.
Grant funding will also support Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative to open and operate two new toy libraries for Aboriginal children and families in Horsham and Stawell.
Toy libraries are important community hubs that provide children and families with low-cost access to educational toys and resources, ensuring children use their imaginations to explore, discover and play using the equipment available.
Toy libraries offer an alternative to buying toys, help teach children about the lifecycle of toys, provide social and emotional support for families, and connect parents and carers with other community services.
Expanding toy libraries into new areas means more families can access high-quality educational toys and resources locally and at low cost - helping to save money and encouraging learning through play at home.
A total of 58 not-for-profit toy libraries will also receive one-off grants of up to $10,000 to renew their toys and equipment, improve their member offering and grow their membership.
The funding can also be used for one-off costs, such as buying furniture or equipment to improve accessibility, and subsidising membership for families experiencing vulnerability.
The Labor Government is investing $1.9 million over four years to establish at least eight new toy libraries and support existing not-for-profit toy libraries with grants of up to $10,000. The next round of grants will open in coming months.
As stated by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
"Toys are an essential part of supporting every child's learning and development. This investment will give more children and families access to fun and educational toys and equipment locally and at low cost."
"Well-chosen toys help children learn through play. We're investing in Victoria's toy libraries so more children can access quality toys that help them learn new skills, express their creativity and grow their imaginations."
As stated by Member for Sunbury Josh Bill
"These hubs are important community spaces supporting families and helping children play and learn."
