More children from multicultural families in Geelong will be able to access and attend kindergarten, thanks to a state government grant.
City of Greater Geelong will be among 25 councils to receive a January 2025 to June 2027 CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) Outreach Initiative grant.
Minister for Children Lizzie Blandthorn said it was important that every child had the “best start in life” regardless of their background.
“Our expansion of the CALD Outreach Initiative to an unprecedented 25 councils across the state will ensure kids in even more Victorian communities get the best start in life,” she said.
“We’re delivering more support to families from multicultural backgrounds so more Victorian children can access free kinder and more parents can go back to work if, and when, they choose.”
The 2024-25 state budget will invest $9.4 million over three years in the Strengthening Participation of CALD Children in Early Childhood Education initiative.
The initiative forms part of the state government’s $14 billion Best Start, Best Life reforms to help children thrive, support families and carers, and save families money.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Ingrid Stitt said diversity was one of the state’s greatest strengths, and the initiative would help families to continue positively impacting their communities.
“Young children have so much to gain and learn from the opportunities provided through kindergarten,” she said.
