A number of Geelong kindergartens will get a funding boost through the Victorian Government’s Building Blocks grants program.
The latest round of the program grants in the west of the state includes a total of 26 kindergarten and early learning centres.
Williams House Kindergarten in Belmont will receive $150,000 to create a safe, inclusive area for children of all abilities.
Torquay Christian Fellowship will receive the same amount, which will be put toward extending and upgrading kitchen facilities.
A host of other facilities will also receive grants of up to $2000 for IT equipment or televisions, including Anglesea, Armstrong Creek East Children’s Centre, Bellevue Preschool, City Learning & Care Belmont, Grovedale, Highton Preschool, Jan Juc Preschool, Moriac Preschool Centre, Poa Banyul Kindergartens, St Paul’s Lutheran Geelong and Goodstart Early Learning centres across the region.
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney announced the recipients of the latest round of grants on Tuesday.
“These grants are a fantastic boost for families in Western Victoria, providing them with infrastructure and equipment so that our youngest learners have access to the best possible start in life, helping them to thrive and reach their full potential,” Ms Tierney said
“Every child deserves a secure and welcoming place to learn, which is why the Allan Labor Government is committed to continuous investment in early learning centres and kindergartens.”
Launched in 2020, the Building Blocks program has already invested more than $200 million into improving early childhood services across Victoria, with the state government’s 2024-25 budget including a further $128.6 million for its Best Start, Best Life reforms, which include free kinder, pre-prep and three-year-old kindergarten.
Victorian Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn also announced this week the latest round of Building Blocks inclusion grants
“These grants are all about making sure our kinders are safe and welcoming space for all children, so every Victorian child can get the best start in life.”
“We’re delivering unprecedented investment in early childhood services so all children can get the most out of great local kindergartens.”
Applications are now open at schoolbuildings.vic.gov.au for the next round of Building Blocks grants.
