Families in Melbourne's south-east can look forward to more kindergarten places and modern early learning facilities, thanks to a new Building Blocks Partnership between the Allan Labor Government and Frankston City Council.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn visited Langwarrin Community Centre this week to announce the Labor Government will invest up to $14.25 million to support three new kindergarten projects, creating up to 248 new three-and-four-year-old kindergarten places across the municipality.
The partnership includes up to $6.75 million to deliver a new integrated children's centre at the Langwarrin Community Centre, creating up to 119 kindergarten places for local families and includes child and family services like Maternal and Child Health services and parent education programs.
The Baden Powell Kindergarten will be redeveloped to create a new three-room kindergarten, with a separate room for Maternal and Child Health services. Opening in 2025, the early learning facility will be built using modular construction and will deliver an additional 85 kindergarten places for the local community.
With the addition of the Frankston partnership, the Labor Government has now entered Building Blocks partnerships with 13 local councils since 2021. Across the state, that means 82 new and expanded kindergartens and more than 10,214 extra kinder places where they're needed most.
Through our nation-leading Best Start, Best Life reforms, we are transforming early childhood education to help children thrive, save families money and support parents - especially women - to return to work or study if they choose.
As stated by Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn
"Every child deserves a high-quality local kindergarten in which to learn and play and this partnership will deliver hundreds of new kinder places for families in Frankston so more children can get the best start in life."
"We're investing in new and upgraded kindergartens now, so more families in Melbourne's south-east can access a great local kinder when and where they need to."
As stated by Member for Frankston Paul Edbrooke
"We're so proud to be unveiling this new program that supports young families and makes it easier for them to find a childcare spot closer to home."
As stated by Member for Hastings Paul Mercurio
"This funding is having such a positive impact in our community and will help children learn and develop in their vital early years."
As stated by City of Frankston Deputy Mayor Cr Liam Hughes
"This partnership ensures all children in Frankston City have access to two years of funded kindergarten education starting from 2023 and is a significant step forward in our commitment to early childhood development."
