Bellarine kindergarten students will have better access to more inclusive, accessible and welcoming educational environments thanks to new funding.
Ten early learning centres will receive funding through the state government’s 2025-26 Building Blocks Improvement Grants stream for the information technology category.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said the program will fund computers, tablets and televisions for educational programs and service administration.
“Every child deserves to participate in Kinder fully, and these grants help services make that a reality,” she said.
“We’re supporting Kinders to meet the needs of their communities – alongside Free Kinder saving families up to $2700 a year.”
Bellarine preschools that will receive funding include Allanvale, Beacon Point, Clifton Springs, Drysdale, Ocean Grove and Portarlington.
Leopold, Queenscliff and Woodlands kindergartens, along with Goodstart Early Learning Drysdale, were also successful grant recipients through the program.
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said the early learning centres would receive up to $200,000 through the program.
“This funding will ensure our local kinders have the equipment and facilities they need to support children to learn and thrive,” she said.
“It’s about giving our educators the right tools and creating inclusive environments where every child can participate, feel supported and succeed.”
Up to $10,000 will also be provided to 175 services through the Building Blocks Inclusion grants program to buy accessible equipment.
The state government is looking to build and expand kindergartens across the state by supporting the rollout of 15 hours of three-year-old kindergarten by 2029 and up to 30 hours of pre-prep by 2036.
